In a Premier League season defined by Arsenal’s long-awaited title triumph and Manchester United’s resilient push into the top three, one man stood tallest on individual merit: Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese captain has been named the EA SPORTS FC Player of the Season for 2025/26, capping a campaign of extraordinary creativity, leadership and consistency at Old Trafford.
A season of contrasts Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown, securing the title with a game to spare and booking a Champions League final date with Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Arteta’s side were clinical, particularly from set-pieces, and lifted the trophy in style. Yet amid the Gunners’ celebrations, the individual spotlight fell on Fernandes. Despite United finishing third and missing out on the title, the 31-year-old’s influence was impossible to ignore.
He delivered 8 goals and 20 assists in the league, topping the charts for chances created, big chances created and through-balls while equalling records for Player of the Month awards.
The EA SPORTS shortlist was stacked with talent from the champions: Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel were all nominated. Erling Haaland, Morgan Gibbs-White and others also featured. But voters recognised something special in Fernandes — a player who elevated a United side that needed his vision and drive more than ever. His numbers tell only part of the story. Fernandes dictated tempo, delivered pinpoint set-pieces, and produced moments of magic when his team needed them most. In an era where systems often dominate, his individual brilliance and refusal to accept mediocrity set him apart.
This EA SPORTS honour sits alongside other accolades Fernandes collected this season, including the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and Manchester United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year. He has now won the EA SPORTS monthly award a record-equalling six times.
The official announcement from the Premier League captured the mood perfectly: “A season for the history books.” Fernandes’ journey this year — leading United back into the Champions League places while producing some of the most eye-catching football in the division — fully deserves its place in the record books.
For Arsenal fans, the league title is the ultimate prize. For everyone who appreciates pure footballing quality, Bruno Fernandes’ crowning as EA SPORTS FC Player of the Season is a richly deserved celebration of individual excellence in a team sport. The 2025/26 campaign will be remembered for Arsenal’s return to the summit — but it will also be remembered for the Portuguese maestro who reminded us why individual brilliance still matters. Bruno Fernandes — EA SPORTS FC Player of the Season 2025/26. A season for the history books indeed.
