Bruno Fernandes Named 2026 Footballer of the Year
Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, has been honored as the 2026 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA), narrowly securing the accolade over Arsenal’s Declan Rice. The 31-year-old Fernandes garnered 45% of the votes cast by the English football press, topping Rice by a mere 28 votes. This victory marks the first time a player from Manchester United has claimed the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Voting Process and Notable Mentions
In the voting process, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, the award’s previous recipient in 2023, finished in third place. Other notable mentions included Arsenal players David Raya, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhães, who all received considerable support, but none of their Manchester United teammates received any votes.
Fernandes’ Season Highlights
As the Premier League season approaches its conclusion, Fernandes stands on the brink of equaling the record for the most assists in a single season, needing just one more to match the current benchmark of 20. This record is held jointly by football greats Thierry Henry, formerly of Arsenal, and Kevin De Bruyne, who previously played for Manchester City. Alongside his playmaking skills, Fernandes has notched eight goals this season, proving instrumental in United’s journey to secure a Champions League spot under the management of Michael Carrick, following the departure of former coach Ruben Amorim last January.
FWA Footballer of the Year Award History
The FWA Footballer of the Year award, established in 1948, recognizes players who exemplify excellence both in skill and character, with Sir Stanley Matthews being the inaugural recipient. Fernandes joins a prestigious list of United winners, including legends like Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, and Cristiano Ronaldo, making him the tenth player from Old Trafford to achieve this honor. With this win, Manchester United has now amassed a total of 10 awards, placing them second overall behind Liverpool, who recently secured their 16th win thanks to Mohamed Salah‘s successful bid for the award in 2025.
Women’s Football: Bunny Shaw’s Achievement
In women’s football, Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw has triumphed in the women’s Footballer of the Year race, breaking records with 19 goals during her team’s WSL title-winning season. Shaw, an international representative from Jamaica, is expected to depart City this summer as her contract nears its end, although this marks her second time winning the award, having previously been honored in 2023.
