Bruno Fernandes Crowned FWA Footballer Of The Year After Stellar Season
Sports Updated: 08 May 2026 23:29 EAT
Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year for the 2025–26 season, recognising him as the most outstanding player in English football over the campaign. The award is one of the oldest and most prestigious individual honours in the sport, voted for by more than 400 football journalists across England and Wales.
The Manchester United captain earned the accolade after a season marked by consistent performances, leadership, and high-level creative output in midfield. His influence was central to United’s attacking structure, with his vision and passing repeatedly unlocking defences in key matches.
Fernandes recorded an impressive 8 Premier League goals and around 19 assists, making him one of the top contributors in the league. His creativity placed him among the leading chance-makers in Europe’s top five leagues, underlining his importance to United’s offensive play.
Reports indicate that he created over 100 goal-scoring opportunities across the season, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most productive playmakers in world football. His ability to deliver decisive passes in tight games was a defining feature of Manchester United’s campaign.
The FWA voting saw Fernandes finish ahead of some of the league’s biggest names, including Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, reflecting the widespread recognition of his individual impact.
This achievement also marks a historic moment for Manchester United, as Fernandes becomes the first player from the club to win the FWA award since Wayne Rooney in 2010, highlighting the significance of his season in the club’s modern era.
Football writers praised his leadership qualities as much as his technical output, noting how he often carried responsibility during difficult phases of matches and maintained high performance levels even under pressure.
Beyond statistics, analysts have credited Fernandes for transforming United’s attacking rhythm, frequently dictating tempo from deeper positions while also making late runs into scoring areas.
The FWA award, established in the 1947–48 season, is widely regarded as one of the most respected individual honours in English football, with past winners including legends such as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Steven Gerrard.
Alongside Fernandes’ recognition, Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named Women’s FWA Footballer of the Year, completing the annual awards that highlight the standout performers in English football for the season.
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FELIX MAKONA
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