In recent weeks, social media platforms have seen fans engage in heated debates over who deserves the 2025/26 Premier League player of the Season award.
Opinion remains divided – some argue that a player from the title-winning team should automatically claim the PFA awards, while others insist that lifting the trophy does not necessarily determine the most deserving winner, as history has shown time and again.
There is also a growing belief that the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season should be awarded to the player who has consistently delivered standout performances and played a decisive role in transforming their team’s fortunes over the course of the campaign.
Now, with eight games remaining in a fiercely contested title race between Arsenal and Manchester City, there is still ample time for players from both sides – as well as standout performers from other clubs – to stake a compelling claim for the prestigious award.
Top Contenders for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season Award
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s leading goalscorer, with 22 goals has once again delivered an outstanding campaign.
Earlier in the season, the Norwegian forward made history by surpassing Alan Shearer’s long-standing record, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals – achieving the milestone 15 games faster than the former striker, whose record had stood since 1995.
While he may not have consistently hit the extraordinary heights he has set for himself in previous seasons, his off-the-ball work rate has remained exceptional. His relentless pressing and movement have been key to Manchester City’s pursuit of the Premier League title this season.
He also played a decisive role in his side’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, securing his seventh major trophy since joining the club in 2022.
Overall, he tops the chart in most goals contributed this season with 29 (22 goals + seven assists), total shots (102), and expected goals (21.0). If Manchester City manage to overturn Arsenal in the Premier League title race, it would feel as though the award is tilting firmly towards the Norwegian, who previously claimed it in the 2022/23 season.
In that scenario, his decisive contributions, and influence in high-stakes moments would make a compelling case for him to once again be crowned the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season.
Declan Rice
The conversation surrounding Englishman Declan Rice has gathered significant momentum, with many tipping him as the frontrunner for the PFA Awards. Should he go on to claim the honour, he would become the first midfielder since N’Golo Kanté in 2017 to win it.
His commanding presence at the heart of midfield has been pivotal to Arsenal’s title charge, with the Gunners currently holding a commanding nine-point lead over Manchester City.
Rice, who has been an instrumental figure, sitting in front of the Gunners backline, is delivering one of his finest seasons since his West Ham days, ranking second in the league for chances created (58) and third for expected assists (6.1), while also showcasing leadership, defensive intelligence, and an ability to dictate the tempo in crucial matches.
Since evolving from a traditional holding “six” into a more complete, box-to-box midfielder, Rice has taken his influence to another level – emerging as one of the standout performers in the league and a leading contender to be crowned the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season.
Earlier, he was frequently compared to Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, but while the Ecuadorian thrives as a ball-winning specialist, Rice has distinguished himself with his all-round influence – combining defensive solidity with progressive passing, leadership, and a growing attacking output that sets him apart.
Bruno Fernandes
Just as he has done in previous seasons, Bruno Fernandes has on numerous occasions single-handedly dragged Manchester United away from the brink of defeat, and his stellar performances have positioned them as one of the two teams best placed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification next season.
The Portuguese has placed himself firmly in the conversation for the PFA Awards following his team’s change in fortune since the appointment of Michael Carrick.
With 28 games played, Fernandes has scored eight goals and, after surpassing David Beckham’s assist tally of 15 set in 1999, he is now on course to challenge the all-time Premier League assist record (20), currently sitting on 16 with several games still to play.
The United captain, who has racked up 11 player of the match awards for United, is statistically the most creative player in the league, leading in big chances created (24) and total chances created (101), nearly doubling the output of the next competitor.
Nine of his assists have come from dead-ball situations, which has put him within reach of Steven Gerrard’s record of 11 set-piece assists in a single season. He has also won more points for his team (18) through assists than any other player in Premier League history in a single campaign.
Fernandes, without a doubt, has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the Premier League Player of the Season award, as his creativity, leadership, and ability to deliver in decisive moments continue to make him one of the standout performers in the league this season.
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Whichever of these three ultimately claims the Premier League player of the season award will be a deserving winner, but those who fall short can hold their heads high, having all delivered campaigns of the highest quality.
From Erling Haaland’s relentless goalscoring prowess which continues to break records, to Declan Rice’s dominant all-round midfield displays, and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity that has lifted his side from sixth to third – bringing them to the brink of securing UEFA Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick – all three have produced seasons worthy of recognition, leaving an indelible mark on the campaign.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 20.03.2026
