Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw are named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players of the Year, with Fernandes winning the men’s award and Shaw taking the women’s prize for a second time. The announcements come as both players have strong individual seasons alongside club success.
Fernandes is recognised for a standout 2025/26 Premier League campaign, in which he sets a new all-time record for league assists and contributes directly to a goal tally of 21 he sets up. Multiple outlets also note that he helps United recover from a slow start to finish third and return to the Champions League under Michael Carrick. The Guardian and Jamaica Observer add that Fernandes also received the Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year award in May.
For the women’s award, Shaw is honoured again after scoring 21 goals on her way to a third consecutive Golden Boot and helping City win the Women’s Super League title for the first time in a decade. Across the reports, the emphasis is on her sustained league output and the club’s title win, rather than any separate narrative about the award process. The Guardian also notes City’s Nico O’Reilly and Olivia Smith winning young player honours.
