The 2025/26 Premier League season has delivered drama, shocks, and moments of pure brilliance from start to finish. With the campaign drawing to a close, the Premier League has officially unveiled the nominees for three of its most prestigious individual honors: Manager of the Season, Player of the Season, and Young Player of the Season. These shortlists celebrate the standout performers who have lit up the pitch and inspired their teams through highs, lows, and everything in between.
Fans can cast their votes on the official Premier League website, making this a true people’s choice. Let’s break down the contenders and why each one deserves serious consideration.
Barclays Manager of the Season Nominees
Six managers have been shortlisted for turning their squads into title challengers, European hopefuls, or surprise packages. This season’s race highlights tactical mastery, squad rebuilding, and overachievement.
- Keith Andrews (Brentford): Stepping into big shoes after Thomas Frank’s departure, the former Blackburn man has delivered a sensational debut campaign. Brentford are pushing for a top-six finish with attacking, entertaining football and notable scalps including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): The Gunners boss has Arsenal on the brink of a first Premier League title in over two decades. Consistent excellence, defensive steel, and title-race resilience make him a strong favorite.
- Michael Carrick (Manchester United – interim): Tasked with steadying the ship, Carrick orchestrated a stunning revival, guiding United from mid-table struggles to Champions League qualification. His calm authority and player buy-in have been widely praised.
- Pep Guardiola (Manchester City): The serial winner pushed Arsenal all the way in another gripping title race. Even in a transitional period, his tactical nous and ability to extract the best from stars like Haaland keep him in contention for a sixth award.
- Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth): The Spaniard has elevated the Cherries to new heights, flirting with European qualification for the first time in the club’s history. Solid organization and progressive play define his impact.
- Régis Le Bris (Sunderland): Freshly promoted or fighting expectations, Le Bris has made an immediate impression with an exciting, high-pressing style that has Sunderland punching above their weight.
Who wins? Arteta and Guardiola feel like the heavyweights, but underdog stories from Andrews, Carrick, and Le Bris add real intrigue.
EA Sports Player of the Season Nominees
Eight elite performers make up this star-studded list. Creativity, goals, defensive dominance, and consistency are all on show.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The captain has been inspirational, racking up around 8 goals and a staggering 19 assists while driving United’s climb up the table. Many see him as the front-runner.
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal): A rock at the back with crucial goals and clean sheets galore. He’s been central to Arsenal’s title push.
- Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): A standout midfielder with a career-high goal tally (around 13), helping Forest challenge for Europe.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian goal machine tops the Golden Boot race with 26 goals and remains a constant threat. A previous winner, he’s never far from the conversation.
- David Raya (Arsenal): Golden Glove contender and a key part of Arsenal’s mean defense. His shot-stopping and distribution have been top-class.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): Box-to-box dominance with goals, assists, and tireless midfield control. Essential to Arteta’s system.
- Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City, ex-Bournemouth): A dynamic attacker who hit double figures in goals and made a seamless transition after his mid-season move.
- Igor Thiago (Brentford): The Brazilian striker has smashed records with around 22 goals, powering Brentford’s attack.
Hot take: Bruno Fernandes’ creativity edges it for many, but Arsenal’s trio and Haaland make this fiercely competitive.
Young Player of the Season Nominees
The future of the Premier League shines bright with these emerging talents (typically aged 23 or under). Standouts include:
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Leading the charge with goals and double-digit assists in a creative midfield role.
- Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United): Composure beyond his years; key in United’s resurgence despite injury setbacks.
- Others in the mix: Nico O’Reilly (Man City), Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), and Michael Kayode (Brentford).
These youngsters have stepped up impressively, blending skill, maturity, and big-moment performances.
The 2025/26 season has been one for the ages—title races, European battles, and breakout stars. Voting is open now on premierleague.com, so head over and have your say before the deadline! Who are your picks for Manager, Player, and Young Player of the Season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Which storylines will define the awards night? Arsenal dominance? United’s revival? Or a fairytale for one of the underdogs? The Premier League never disappoints.
Stats and details based on latest available reports as of mid-May 2026. Winners to be announced soon—stay tuned!
SOURCE: Premier League
