The Athletic's end-of-season awards, 2025–26: men's football
The Athletic has announced the winners of the 2025-26 end-of-season awards, recognizing the best players and managers from the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A.
Selecting the best and brightest players in domestic European football this season is no easy task. In England, Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in two decades and also made it to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. While Bayern Munich set new records in the Bundesliga, Barcelona defeated their great rivals Real Madrid to win La Liga and Inter swept everyone in Serie A. The expert team at The Athletic have voted in our annual end-of-season awards and these are our award winners. We have done the same for women's football. Now without further ado, we introduce the players and managers we are recognizing for their outstanding performances in men's football this season.
**Premier League Player of the Season: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)**Bruno Fernandes would not finish this season as a title winner. He won't even be the runner-up. But in this season of the Premier League, where set-piece tactics have overshadowed individual talent, his unique talent has set him apart from his peers. He created 132 chances this season, almost twice as many as anyone else. His 20 assists are the most in the Premier League this season, equaling the single-campaign record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Premier League Young Player of the Season: Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)
Nico O'Reilly, 21, has firmly established his place at Manchester City this season, having previously been introduced as an attacking midfielder. He has earned his place in the team and is now considered as the first choice left-back.
**Premier League Manager of the Season: Regis Le Bris (Sunderland)**Newly promoted team Sunderland have performed brilliantly this season. Regis Le Bris has turned them into a disciplined and steadfast unit.
Premier League Team of the Season:
David Raya has been chosen Goalkeeper of the Season. Jurien Timbers has been selected at right-back. O'Reilly, Declan Rice, Ryan Cherky, and Manchester United's Fernandes, among many other players, have made the squad.
Premier League Goal of the Season: Harry Wilson (Fulham) v Crystal Palace
Harry Wilson's goals this season were excellent. This goal showed an amazing unity with his teammates.
**Premier League Signing of the Season: San Lemans (Manchester United)**Manchester United bought San Lemans in the last 24 hours of this season, which was a well-considered decision. Lamans has made important saves in goal and solved a persistent problem for the team.
European Men's Player of the Season: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane has an excellent record of scoring 58 goals this season.
European Men's Young Player of the Season: Lamin Yamal (Barcelona)
18-year-old Lamin Yamal has scored 24 goals and 18 assists this season.