Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for the 2025–26 season, capping off a record-breaking campaign that has seen the Manchester United captain deliver arguably the best football of his career.

The Portuguese playmaker edged out Arsenal's Declan Rice and Manchester City's Erling Haaland to claim the prestigious honor, a testament to his extraordinary influence on the pitch this season.

Restored to his natural attacking role under manager Michael Carrick, Fernandes has been nothing short of sensational. He currently leads the Premier League in assists with 16—double the tally of any other player in the division. Along the way, he shattered David Beckham's long-standing Manchester United record for most assists in a single Premier League season, surpassing the former England captain's mark of 15 set back in 1999–2000.

"This means everything," Fernandes said at the FWA dinner in London. "This has been the best season of my life."

For fans and teammates alike, it's been a joy to watch Fernandes dictate play from the middle of the park, combining vision, precision, and relentless work rate. His resurgence has been a key factor in United's push for silverware this term.

On the women's side, Manchester City's Khadija "Bunny" Shaw claimed the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year award for the second time. Shaw made headlines in March by breaking the WSL record for the fastest hat-trick in league history, scoring three goals in just 12 minutes and 37 seconds against Tottenham. Earlier in the season, she also became the first Manchester City player to reach 100 goals for the club—a milestone that underscores her dominance in the women's game.

Both Fernandes and Shaw have set the standard this season, proving that hard work, creativity, and a relentless winning mentality can lead to historic achievements. Whether you're lacing up your boots for a Sunday league match or cheering from the stands, their performances remind us why we love this beautiful game.