What's happened
Fernandes has broken the Premier League assists record with 21 assists and scored nine goals as Manchester United finish third. Shaw has top-scored for City with 21 goals as they win the Women’s Super League. The awards are decided by the Football Writers’ Association and PFA, with additional honours for players across Arsenal, City and United. The teams also celebrate multiple winners and a host of youth awards.
What's behind the headline?
Write confidently and with concrete detail
- The articles collectively highlight Fernandes’s record 21 assists in the 2025-26 Premier League season, finishing third with United.
- Bunny Shaw’s 21 goals propelled City to the WSL title and earned her multiple personal awards.
- The coverage notes continued recognition for Arsenal’s Raya, Gabriel and Timber, and for City’s O’Reilly among the young players.
- The awards reflect a mix of individual brilliance and team success, with a notable concentration of honours around City and United.
- Readers should note the distinction between league and cup campaigns, and the cross-competition achievements that shaped the season’s narrative.
Forecast: Expect continued post-season analysis as players leverage these accolades into next season’s form; clubs will spotlight these award-winning performances in pre-season planning and contract negotiations.
How we got here
The season concluded with United securing Champions League football after finishing third, while Manchester City clinched the Women’s Super League title. The Football Writers’ Association and PFA have announced their Players of the Year, highlighting standout performances by Fernandes, Shaw and a raft of young talents across both men’s and women’s football.
Our analysis
- Al Jazeera: Fernandes breaks assists record, Team of the Year includes Haaland, Cherki, Semenyo; Shaw leads City to WSL title. - The Guardian: Fernandes voted Player of the Year; Shaw wins Women’s Player of the Year; O’Reilly named Young Player. - AP News: Fernandes breaks record; Shaw leads City; multiple young players recognized. - Independent: Fernandes tops shortlist; city and Arsenal players featured in Team of the Year. - BBC Business: Detailed breakdown of awards and Team of the Year across men’s and women’s football.
Go deeper
- Which player’s award most surprised you and why?
- Do these honours suggest shifts in team strength next season?
- What are the implications for players’ contracts and transfers?
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