Manny Ita –
Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the 2025–26 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year after an exceptional campaign for Manchester United.
The United captain earned the prestigious award following a season in which he has been one of the standout performers in English football. With three matches still left in the campaign, Fernandes has already matched the Premier League single-season assist record with 20 assists. His latest came during Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool FC, putting him level with the records previously set by Thierry Henry in 2002–03 and Kevin De Bruyne in 2019–20.
Football journalists praised Fernandes for his creativity, leadership and influence in Manchester United’s strong resurgence this season. Many observers believe he has been the league’s most consistent and impactful player.
The Football Writers’ Association award is voted on by members of the FWA and is regarded as one of English football’s top individual honors, alongside the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season awards. Recent winners include Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Mohamed Salah.
Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney claimed it in the 2009–10 season. He also becomes the ninth different Manchester United player to receive the honor, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining the club’s only two-time winner.
The recognition further strengthens Fernandes’ reputation as one of the world’s elite midfielders and caps off what has been a remarkable individual season at Old Trafford.
