Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been voted the EA SPORTS Player of the Season for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, marking his first time receiving this prestigious individual accolade. His outstanding performances were instrumental in Manchester United securing a third-place finish and a UEFA Champions League spot.
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Fernandes has won the EA SPORTS Player of the Season award for the first time.
- He directly contributed to 28 goals, with 8 goals and a joint-record 20 assists in 37 league appearances.
- Fernandes equaled Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record for most assists in a single Premier League season.
- He is the seventh Manchester United player to win the award.
A Season of Stellar Performance
Fernandes has been a pivotal figure for Manchester United throughout the 2025/26 season, driving the team to a commendable third-place finish and securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. His direct contribution to 28 goals, including eight goals and a joint-record 20 assists in 37 Premier League appearances, underscores his immense impact.
Making History with Assists
His 20th assist of the season, provided in the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, saw Fernandes draw level with Premier League legends Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for the most assists in a single campaign. This remarkable achievement places him in elite company and highlights his exceptional playmaking abilities.
Fernandes also surpassed David Beckham’s previous club record for most assists in a single Premier League season, a testament to his creative prowess. With 132 chances created overall, he led the league by a significant margin.
Recognition and Accolades
This latest award adds to a series of individual honors for Fernandes. He was previously named EA SPORTS Player of the Month in March, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of six such awards. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Football Writers’ Association’s men’s Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in the 2009/10 season.
A Storied Award
The EA SPORTS Player of the Season award, established in 1994/95, has a rich history. Fernandes joins an illustrious group of Manchester United players who have claimed this honor, including Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, and Wayne Rooney. His victory further solidifies Manchester United’s standing as the club with the most recipients of this award.
Fernandes secured the 2025/26 award through a combination of fan votes and expert panel assessments, triumphing over a strong shortlist of eight nominees.
Sources
- Fernandes wins EA SPORTS Player of the Season award, Premier League.
