VIDEO: Bruno Fernandes reveals he voted for Arsenal player before winning PFA award
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes disclosed he voted for an Arsenal player for the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award, an accolade he ultimately won himself after a record-breaking 2025/26 season.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's captain, was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, an award voted for by his peers. He revealed he cast his own vote for an Arsenal player, highlighting the respect among competitors. Fernandes broke the Premier League's single-season assist record with 21 assists, a key factor in his recognition.
Imagine a big contest where all the best soccer players vote for who they think was the absolute best player that year. Bruno Fernandes, who plays for Manchester United, won that award! What's super cool is that he actually voted for a player from a rival team, Arsenal, showing he respects other great players. He won because he helped his team score more goals than anyone else in the league, breaking a record for passing the ball to teammates for them to score.
Analysis
The article details Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes's recent triumph in securing the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season. This prestigious accolade, voted for by fellow professional footballers, underscores the high regard in which Fernandes is held by his peers across the Premier League. His revelation that he himself voted for an Arsenal player adds a layer of sportsmanship and mutual respect to the narrative, emphasizing that even fierce rivals acknowledge exceptional talent. The award ceremony, held in Manchester, celebrated a season where Fernandes not only captained his club but also achieved a significant individual milestone.
Bruno Fernandes's Record
Fernandes's victory was largely propelled by his record-breaking performance during the 2025/26 campaign. He shattered the Premier League's single-season assist record, providing an astounding 21 assists. This surpassed the previous joint record of 20, held by legendary players Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, cementing Fernandes's place in the league's history books as an elite playmaker. Beyond his prolific assisting, Fernandes also contributed nine goals, playing a pivotal role in Manchester United's recovery from a challenging start to secure a third-place finish and qualification for the Champions League. His consistent output and leadership were instrumental in his team's success.
The PFA Award Significance
The PFA Players’ Player of the Year award holds particular weight because it is decided by the players themselves. Fernandes articulated this sentiment, stating that being recognized by those he competes against "makes it very special." This peer validation distinguishes the PFA award from other individual honors, reflecting a genuine appreciation for a player's skill, impact, and professionalism on the pitch. The shortlist for the men’s award featured a strong contingent from Arsenal, including Declan Rice, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães, alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, indicating the high caliber of competition Fernandes overcame.
Arsenal's Performance
Despite Fernandes's Manchester United affiliation, he openly praised Arsenal's performance during the past season. He described Mikel Arteta’s side as "amazing," "very, very strong," and "very difficult to play against." Fernandes specifically highlighted Arsenal's success not only in the Premier League but also in European competitions, noting their deep run to the Champions League final. This acknowledgment from a rival captain further underscores the quality and competitive spirit of the Premier League. Fernandes's comments reflect a broader respect within the football community for teams that achieve high levels of performance, regardless of club loyalties.
Key points
- Bruno Fernandes won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season.
- He revealed he voted for an Arsenal player for the same award.
- Fernandes broke the Premier League single-season assist record with 21 assists.
- The award is voted for by fellow professional footballers, making it particularly special.
- He also scored nine goals, helping Manchester United finish third and qualify for the Champions League.
Fernandes's individual success and record-breaking season could inspire other players to push their limits, fostering a more competitive and high-quality football environment. His recognition by peers also highlights the value of sportsmanship and mutual respect, potentially encouraging positive interactions among rival teams.
While Fernandes achieved individual glory, the article notes Manchester United's difficult start to the new campaign. If the team struggles to improve, the focus on individual awards might overshadow collective performance, potentially leading to increased pressure on key players like Fernandes to carry the team.
