Bruno Fernandes has added another glittering accolade to his impressive collection after being named the EA Sports/Premier League Player of the Season on May 23, 2026. At 31 years old, the Portuguese midfielder has reached new heights with Manchester United, leading the Red Devils to a third-place finish in the Premier League and securing a coveted spot in next season's Champions League. Fernandes' latest honor caps off a campaign that many are calling his finest yet—and the numbers back it up in style.
Throughout the 2025-2026 season, Fernandes was a creative force to be reckoned with. He notched a record-equalling 20 assists, matching the legendary tallies set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. But that's not all—he also found the back of the net eight times, proving his value as both a playmaker and a goal threat. His 20th assist, which came in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on May 16, 2026, put him in elite company and further cemented his reputation as one of the league's most influential players.
It's not just the numbers that have set Fernandes apart this season. As captain, he's been the heartbeat of a rejuvenated Manchester United side, guiding them through a turbulent campaign and helping them rise from mid-table to secure third place. The Red Devils' return to Europe's top table is, in no small part, down to Fernandes' leadership on and off the pitch. His ability to create chances—132 in total, a staggering 43 more than Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, who sits second in that metric—has been the driving force behind United's attacking resurgence.
Fernandes' creative exploits have also seen him surpass a club legend. David Beckham's single-season assist record for Manchester United, set at 15 during the 1999-2000 campaign, had stood for over two decades. Fernandes didn't just break it—he smashed it, setting a new benchmark for future generations at Old Trafford. It's little wonder that his performances have swept up awards at every turn.
Earlier this month, Fernandes was named the Football Writers' Association men's Footballer of the Year, becoming the first United player to claim the honor since Wayne Rooney in 2010. He also swept all individual awards at Manchester United, a testament to the esteem in which he's held by both the media and his peers. The Premier League Player of the Season award, presented by EA Sports, is the latest in a string of honors that underline his status as one of the game's elite playmakers.
The competition for this season's top individual prize was fierce. Arsenal's Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya were all in the running, as were Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo. Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Thiago rounded out the shortlist, but in the end, it was Fernandes who stood tallest. His blend of vision, technique, and determination proved irresistible to the voting panel, and his impact on United's season was impossible to ignore.
Despite his personal success, Fernandes remains focused on team achievements. Speaking to Sky Sports following the announcement, he was quick to emphasize his hunger for collective glory: "I haven't achieved everything I wanted," Fernandes admitted. "I've never hidden that I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League with the club. I might do it, I might not. But until I get the chance or until I'm here to do that, I'm going to try. Is it going to be difficult? Yes. You have top clubs in the league that have been winning the league for so many years and being consistently there and we're not."
Those words capture the relentless drive that has defined Fernandes' time at Old Trafford. While individual accolades are welcome recognition, the Portuguese star is determined to bring silverware back to Manchester United. His leadership as captain has been a beacon for younger players and a rallying point for fans eager to see the club return to its former glories. The Red Devils' third-place finish this season marks their highest in several years and offers hope that a new era of success could be on the horizon.
Looking ahead, Fernandes has his sights set on even more history. He has the opportunity to break the Premier League single-season assist record outright in United's upcoming match against Brighton on May 24, 2026. With the PFA Player of the Year award still up for grabs, Fernandes could yet complete a remarkable personal treble. No Manchester United player has won the PFA award since Wayne Rooney in 2010, but Fernandes is among the favorites, facing stiff competition from Arsenal's Gabriel and Declan Rice.
And the ambitions don't stop there. With the international calendar heating up, Fernandes is also targeting glory on the world stage. As a key figure for Portugal, he will be aiming to help his country claim their first-ever World Cup—a dream that would cap a truly unforgettable year for both player and nation. The prospect of Fernandes lifting football's most prestigious trophy is enough to set pulses racing from Lisbon to Manchester.
For now, though, Fernandes and Manchester United fans can savor a season that has seen records tumble and expectations soar. His 132 created chances, eight goals, and 20 assists have not only powered United back into the Champions League but have also redefined what it means to be a playmaker in the modern Premier League. The numbers speak for themselves, but it's the manner in which Fernandes has led—combining grit, flair, and an unyielding desire to win—that truly sets him apart.
As the dust settles on the 2025-2026 campaign, all eyes will be on Fernandes as he chases even more milestones in the weeks and months ahead. With the chance to make further history at Brighton and the tantalizing prospect of international glory with Portugal, his journey is far from over. One thing's for sure: when Bruno Fernandes is on the pitch, anything feels possible for Manchester United and beyond.