Roll Up for the 2025-26 Football Awards
As the 2025-26 football season draws to a close, BBC Sport proudly presents its inaugural end-of-season awards, honoring the standout players from the Premier League, Women’s Super League, Scottish Premiership, and the EFL. This esteemed recognition, determined by a panel of expert pundits, journalists, and football program makers, reflects the remarkable individual contributions that have defined the season.
Celebrating Excellence Across Leagues
The voting panel included prominent figures such as Chris Sutton, Danny Murphy, and Ellen White, among others. Their insights shed light on the talents that have shone brightly this season, from players who led their teams to glory to those who excelled in more challenging circumstances. Each award encapsulates the essence of football excellence, recognizing those who have left a significant mark on the pitch.
Premier League Player of the Season
In a tightly contested race, Declan Rice emerged as the standout performer, securing the title of Premier League Player of the Season. His pivotal role in guiding Arsenal to their first league title since 2004 cannot be overstated. With his exceptional set-piece execution and leadership qualities, Rice not only bolstered Arsenal’s midfield but also provided the stability needed to finally overcome previous near-misses. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, who set a new single-season assists record, narrowly missed out on the top spot, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago, with 22 goals to his name, claimed third place.
Premier League Breakthrough Player of the Season
Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City claimed the title of Breakthrough Player of the Season, showcasing his attacking prowess from the full-back position. His consistent performances were instrumental for both his club and country. Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth and Arsenal’s Max Dowman followed closely behind in the rankings, highlighting the emerging talents that have added excitement to this season.
Managerial Masterclass
Mikel Arteta was crowned Premier League Manager of the Season, a well-deserved accolade for his leadership in ending Arsenal’s 22-year title drought. His strategic acumen kept the Gunners at the top of the table throughout the season, culminating in a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite significant competition from Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Keith Andrews of Brentford, Arteta’s accomplishments stood out in a season defined by high stakes and intense pressure.
Moments of Magic: Goal of the Season
The award for Goal of the Season went to Harrison Reed of Fulham, whose breathtaking strike from 25 yards against Liverpool not only equalized the match but showcased his technical skill and composure under pressure. Reed’s stunning effort edged out team-mate Harry Wilson and Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, underlining the creativity and flair that have characterized this season’s goals.
Celebrating Women’s Football Excellence
In the Women’s Super League, Khadija Shaw of Manchester City was the clear favorite, winning Player of the Season with over 80% of the vote. Her impressive tally of 21 goals and four assists played a crucial role in securing the league title for City. Meanwhile, Andree Jeglertz was recognized as Manager of the Season for his outstanding leadership, breaking Chelsea’s dominance in the league.
Scottish Premiership Highlights
In the Scottish Premiership, Claudio Braga of Hearts was named Player of the Season for his remarkable contributions, including 14 goals that propelled his team towards the title race. Derek McInnes, who narrowly edged out Motherwell’s Jens Berthel Askou for Manager of the Season, showcased impressive tactical management, although his team ultimately finished second to Celtic.
Championship and League One Accolades
The Championship Player of the Season award went to Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough, whose dynamic midfield performances were pivotal for his side. Frank Lampard and Alex Neil shared the Manager of the Season honors, each leading their teams with distinction throughout a challenging campaign. In League One, Dom Ballard’s 22 goals earned him the Player of the Season award, while Michael Skubala’s exceptional leadership at Lincoln secured him the Manager of the Season accolade.
League Two’s Rising Stars
In League Two, Aaron Drinan was recognized as Player of the Season for his outstanding goal-scoring ability, while Andy Woodman claimed the Manager of the Season title after leading Bromley to back-to-back promotions.
Final Thoughts on a Memorable Season
As the curtains fall on another thrilling season of football, the awards celebrate not just individual brilliance but also the collective spirit of the beautiful game. From the Premier League to the lower tiers, these accolades honor the players, managers, and moments that have made the 2025-26 season unforgettable.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research