The EPL has officially unveiled the eight nominees for Premier League Player of the Season award, with several of the division’s biggest stars earning recognition after outstanding campaigns.
Among the headline names are Bruno Fernandes, Declan Rice, and Erling Haaland, while Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as one of the surprise inclusions after another excellent season with Nottingham Forest.
The shortlist reflects a season shaped by an intense title race, breakout performances, and players who shone consistently across the season. With the campaign nearing its conclusion, the race for the award is now as competitive as the battle for trophies and European qualification.
Nominees for Premier League Player of the Season
Arsenal’s Title Challenge Reflected in Nominations
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are the most represented club on the nominees for Premier League player of the season shortlist, showing the consistency and quality that have driven their push for a first Premier League title in more than two decades.
The shortlist of the nominees for Premier League player of the season features three Arsenal players: Gabriel Magalhães, David Raya, and Declan Rice.
Gabriel has been central to Arsenal’s defensive stability throughout the season. The Brazilian defender has combined physicality, leadership, and composure to help the Gunners maintain the league’s strongest defensive record.
Alongside him, Raya has enjoyed another exceptional campaign in goal. The Spanish goalkeeper has already secured his third consecutive Golden Glove after registering 18 clean sheets. His shot-stopping ability and calm distribution have made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in English football.
Rice, meanwhile, has evolved into one of Arsenal’s most influential players. His ability to control matches, recover possession, and contribute offensively has elevated Arsenal’s midfield to another level.
The England international’s leadership qualities have also become increasingly important during the pressure-filled closing stages of the season.
Erling Haaland Chasing More Individual Glory
Manchester City once again have major representation in the nominees for Premier League of the season shortlist through Erling Haaland, who continues to redefine goalscoring standards in English football.
The Norwegian striker has already scored 26 league goals this season and remains favorite to secure another Golden Boot award. If successful, it would mark his third Golden Boot in four seasons.
Even in a campaign where Manchester City have occasionally faced inconsistency compared to previous years, Haaland’s efficiency in front of goal has remained relentless.
His physical dominance, movement inside the penalty area, and finishing ability continue to separate him from most forwards in world football.
Joining him on the shortlist is Antoine Semenyo, whose rise has been one of the stories of the season.
After impressing at AFC Bournemouth, Semenyo adapted quickly following his January move to Manchester City. His versatility across the attack and immediate impact under Pep Guardiola earned widespread praise.
Bruno Fernandes Leads Manchester United Revival
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been one of the most influential creative players in Europe this season, a performance that has now earned him a place on the nominees for Premier League player of the season shortlist.
The Portuguese midfielder has produced eight goals and 19 assists in the Premier League, placing him within touching distance of the single-season assist record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes’ performances have been critical in Manchester United’s return to Champions League qualification places after a difficult transitional period at Old Trafford.
His creativity, vision, and ability to dictate matches have often carried United through challenging moments.
This season also saw Fernandes equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record by winning his sixth Premier League Player of the Month award.
At a time when Manchester United required leadership and consistency, Fernandes delivered both and this has placed him among the nominees for Premier League player of the season award.
Morgan Gibbs-White Emerges as World Cup Contender
(Photo by Ritchie Sumpter/Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images)
Perhaps the most fascinating player on the shortlist of the nominees for the Premier League player of the season award belongs to Morgan Gibbs-White.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has produced another impressive campaign, scoring 13 goals and adding four assists to help Forest avoid relegation trouble.
His performances since March have been especially outstanding, including a memorable hat-trick against Burnley.
Gibbs-White’s development has significantly strengthened his case for inclusion in England national football team manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Competition for attacking midfield positions remains intense, with players such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden already established at international level.
However, Gibbs-White’s consistency and improved end product have made him impossible to ignore as he appears on the nominees for the Premier League player of the season shortlist.
Defensive Excellence Also Recognized
While attacking players often dominate these awards, this year’s shortlist reflects growing appreciation for defensive consistency.
Gabriel and Raya’s nominations highlight Arsenal’s defensive dominance, while other defenders across the league have also played critical roles for their teams.
Modern football increasingly values defenders who contribute both in and out of possession, and Gabriel’s performances perfectly represent that evolution.
Similarly, goalkeepers like Raya are now judged not only on saves but also on distribution, positioning, and composure under pressure.
Young Player Award Highlights Emerging Talent
Alongside the main award, the Young Player of the Season shortlist has generated major attention.
Rayan Cherki has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Manchester City, producing 12 assists and establishing himself as one of the league’s most creative players.
His teammate Nico O’Reilly has also earned recognition after an impressive breakout season.
At Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo continues his rapid rise following several standout performances, including a crucial goal against Liverpool.
Bournemouth’s historic campaign is reflected through nominations for Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Kroupi’s 12-goal season has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s greatest teenage talents, while Scott’s midfield performances have quietly become essential to Bournemouth’s success.
What Could Decide the Final Winner?
The final weeks of the season may ultimately determine who claims the Player of the Season award.
If Arsenal secure the Premier League title, players like Rice, Gabriel, or Raya could gain a significant advantage.
If Manchester City complete another strong finish, Haaland’s goalscoring record could once again prove decisive.
Meanwhile, Fernandes’ extraordinary creative numbers make him impossible to overlook regardless of where Manchester United finish.
The diversity of the nominees for the Premier League player of the season shortlist reflects the competitiveness of this season across multiple levels of the table.
Nominees for Premier League Player of the Season
The nominees for Premier League Player of the Season showcase the players who have defined the 2025-26 campaign through consistency, quality, and influence.
From Arsenal’s title challenge to Manchester City’s pursuit of more silverware, and from Bruno Fernandes’ creativity to Morgan Gibbs-White’s emergence as an England contender, the shortlist captures the league’s biggest storylines.
With the season approaching its conclusion, attention will now turn toward who ultimately claims one of English football’s most prestigious individual honors.
