Ben McAleer's Premier League Player of the Season: Fernandes, Rice, Gabriel, Haaland, Thiago
Ben McAleer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial policy or position of LiveScore.
The 2025-26 Premier League season has drawn to a close. It means it’s now time to run through the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
We run through the five candidates in full as stars from Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford battle for individual adulation.
Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
The first nominee for the award, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been a consistent force for the Premier League giants. Regardless of managerial uncertainty and upheaval, the Portugal international routinely puts in elite-level performances, and this season was no different.
Fernandes shone under former boss Ruben Amorim in a central midfield role, before upping his game once Michael Carrick took over back in January. And as United secured a Champions League finish, the 31-year-old put in the showings that elevated the creative star to, arguably, the face of the Premier League.
Indeed, Fernandes created more chances (136), more clear-cut chances (33), more accurate through balls (15) and registered more assists (21) than any other player, the latter a Premier League record. It was a stunning individual campaign that saw the United star named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
Declan Rice - Arsenal
Arsenal’s Mr Dependable, Declan Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League title success. The England international was a driving force from midfield, and one who was able to carry out the nitty gritty defensive work when required.
Rice ranked among the top 10 players for chances created (63) this season, culminating in five assists, while 70 tackles was also a commendable haul. A handy distributor, the 27-year-old also managed a respectable 62 passes per 90 with a solid 87.3% pass success rate.
In short - Rice was essentially Mikel Arteta’s ‘Swiss Army Knife’, a player capable of doing, well, just about everything in the middle of the park. The Gunners star deserved his Premier League winners medal.
Gabriel Magalhaes - Arsenal
Admittedly, Gabriel Magalhaes is the centre-back equivalent of Marmite. You either love him, or you hate him. And Arsenal fans absolutely adore their bruising Brazilian. The Gunners boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding just 27 goals on their way to glory.
And Gabriel played an instrumental role in their first title triumph since the 2003-04 campaign. The 28-year-old was hugely effective at both ends of the pitch, with 182 clearances among the most in the division.
In addition, the Arsenal star scored three times and laid on an additional four assists. Gabriel was a set-piece threat, and then some. While centre-backs rarely get the credit they at times deserve, the Brazil international was far and away the best central defender in England’s top tier.
Erling Haaland - Manchester City
Erling Haaland may have failed to fire Manchester City to glory. The Norwegian started the season brilliantly, but tailed off at the turn of the year following Antoine Semenyo’s arrival. Even so, Haaland has been a consistent force for the Cityzens this season,
The City star scored more goals (27) than any other player in England’s top tier this term. He ranked top for shots (126), too. The Manchester giants struggled to secure another Premier League title, but there’s no denying that Haaland proved his effectiveness as the division’s best striker.
And with another Golden Boot under his belt, Haaland continues to go from strength to strength. However, City’s failure to go the distance is expected to impact the 25-year-old’s bid for the award.
Igor Thiago - Brentford
Igor Thiago sat out the bulk of his debut season at Brentford. A serious knee injury meant the Brazilian was restricted to just 168 minutes of Premier League action following his big money arrival.
However, the 24-year-old spent the season very much making up for lost time. Thiago scored 22 league goals this season, and his flying form saw him rewarded with a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The Bees man has been vital for a Brentford side that was tipped to drop into the Championship. The west London side exceeded expectations, and so, too, did Thiago.
Verdict - Bruno Fernandes
Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes may have won the Premier League, but in terms of individual performance - it’s impossible to look beyond Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese star was vital as Manchester United booked a Champions League finish.
A worthy winner of the Premier League Player of the Season award.
