Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been voted the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Footballer of the Year, edging Arsenal’s Declan Rice in a tight race, with Manchester City’s prolific forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scooping the women’s award after firing City to Women’s Super League glory.
Bruno Fernandes capped a standout campaign by topping the FWA poll to become the association’s Men’s Footballer of the Year, securing the honour ahead of strong favourite Declan Rice after a season in which his creativity and leadership repeatedly dragged Manchester United through a turbulent year. The Portuguese playmaker supplied a league‑high volume of chances and combined goals with assists to keep United in contention for European places, earning enough votes from journalists across the country to claim the award.
Fernandes’ triumph makes him the first Manchester United player to receive the writers’ accolade since Wayne Rooney more than a decade ago, underlining both his individual impact and the scale of his achievement in a side that has often struggled for consistency. Rice, who has been central to Arsenal’s title push, finished close behind in the voting but could not overhaul the United captain’s tally among FWA members.
In the women’s category, Manchester City and Jamaica star Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year after a phenomenal season in front of goal. Shaw hit 19 goals in 21 league matches to spearhead City’s charge to a first Women’s Super League crown in 10 years and is on course for yet another Golden Boot, making her a clear winner in the writers’ vote.
The double recognition for Fernandes and Shaw highlights their status as two of the most influential players in English football this season, with both delivering match‑winning performances on a consistent basis. Their awards will be formally presented at the FWA’s annual gala dinner later this month, where they will be honoured alongside other standout performers from the 2025‑26 campaign.
