Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 PFA Player of the Year Award 

Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 PFA Player of the Year Award brings you an in-depth look at the finest football talents set to dominate the upcoming season. This comprehensive overview highlights the elite players whose performances, skills, and influence on the pitch are expected to shine brightest in the Premier League. From prolific goal scorers to creative masterminds and steadfast defenders, this list covers a diverse range of footballers who have consistently impressed fans and critics alike. As the 2025/2026 campaign unfolds, these contenders are not just aiming to help their teams succeed but also to earn one of the most prestigious individual accolades in English football.

Discover detailed insights into their career achievements, recent form, playing style, and potential to clinch the coveted PFA Player of the Year Award. Whether you’re a passionate fan, a fantasy football manager, or a sports analyst, this list serves as your ultimate guide to tracking the stars who could shape the season’s narrative. Get ready to witness thrilling performances and unforgettable moments as these top players compete for glory and recognition on football’s biggest stage.

10. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

Viktor Gyökeres has quickly made his presence felt in the Premier League after signing for Arsenal in the summer of 2025. Known for his powerful runs, intelligent positioning, and excellent finishing, Gyökeres brings a new dynamic to Mikel Arteta’s frontline. In his first few games, he has already registered goals and assists, linking up smoothly with creative players like Ødegaard and Saka. His ability to score under pressure and create space for teammates makes him an exciting prospect this season.

Arsenal has needed a physical and consistent number 9, and Gyökeres fits that mold perfectly. If he continues this form throughout the season, not only could he boost Arsenal’s title push, but he might also emerge as a serious PFA Player of the Year contender. Although not a traditional pick due to his newcomer status, his impact could shift that narrative. With a strong domestic campaign and standout moments in big games, Gyökeres has the stage and team to shine. If he continues converting chances at a high rate while contributing to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, awards recognition could follow. The PFA often honors game-changers, and Gyökeres might just be one in the making this season.

9. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

Alexander Isak has grown into one of the most elegant yet lethal forwards in the Premier League. His unique blend of technical flair, height, and composed finishing makes him a nightmare for defenders. Newcastle’s attacking system flows through him, and his influence on their counterattacks is unmatched. As the Magpies aim to secure Champions League football, Isak’s goals will be crucial to their success.

This season, he’s stepped up in big matches, often producing game-defining moments when Newcastle need them most. Whether it’s creating space with clever dribbles or finishing with clinical precision, Isak’s all-round game has reached a new level. He continues to add consistency to his highlight-reel potential—an essential trait for a PFA contender.

Isak’s calmness under pressure and ability to shift momentum with solo efforts make him not just a striker, but a match-winner. If Newcastle solidify their top-four status and he finishes the season among the top scorers, the Swedish international could be a dark horse for the PFA Player of the Year. Isak’s rising influence on one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams makes him a serious name to watch in 2025/26.

8. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Liverpool in the 2025/26 season has been nothing short of a masterstroke. The German playmaker has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League’s pace and physicality, quickly becoming the creative engine of Jürgen Klopp’s midfield. His intelligence, composure, and vision have elevated Liverpool’s attacking game, allowing the front line to thrive again. Whether it’s threading through balls, scoring with finesse, or controlling the tempo, Wirtz is doing it all.

What makes him a standout is how quickly he’s taken responsibility in big matches. Wirtz has already registered a healthy tally of assists and goals, often being involved in game-winning moments. His chemistry with Salah and Darwin Núñez has brought fluidity back to Liverpool’s attack, making them one of the most dangerous sides once again.

Wirtz’s age-defying maturity and complete skill set make him a serious PFA Player of the Year contender. Fans appreciate his silky touch and tactical awareness, while teammates rely on his calm presence in tight situations. If Liverpool continue to push for the title, Wirtz will likely be at the heart of it. In his first season in England, he’s not just adapting — he’s dominating. A breakout star turned serious award contender.

7. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Martin Ødegaard is the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield, captaining the side with elegance and intelligence. His ability to control the pace of a match while consistently creating chances sets him apart. As a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s system, Ødegaard’s passing range, vision, and composure make him one of the most refined midfielders in the league.

He’s not just a creative outlet—he scores goals and presses relentlessly, embodying Arsenal’s tactical philosophy. His leadership, both on and off the ball, has matured significantly, making him a natural candidate for individual recognition. Every time Arsenal pushes forward, it’s Ødegaard who links the lines and dictates the tempo with subtle brilliance.

Last season saw him come close to being among the league’s top midfielders, and this year he looks even sharper. If Arsenal mounts another serious title challenge, Ødegaard’s performances will undoubtedly be at the core of that success. His growing reputation across Europe combined with his statistical consistency makes him one of the top creative forces in English football. A strong finish in goals, assists, and team achievement would push him into serious PFA contention.

6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer has transformed from a promising academy graduate into Chelsea’s creative leader in record time. After his move from Manchester City, many wondered if he could handle the pressure of being a key player in a rebuilding Chelsea squad. The answer has been emphatic: Palmer isn’t just surviving — he’s shining as their main man in 2025/26.

This season, Palmer’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s scoring crucial goals, racking up assists, and carrying Chelsea in tight fixtures. His dribbling and confidence in tight spaces are elite, and he often drifts between lines to create openings with sharp passes or long-range strikes. He’s become the go-to option when Chelsea needs inspiration in the final third.

What makes Palmer a strong PFA contender is his sheer influence on matches. While Chelsea might not be favorites for the title, his individual brilliance has kept them competitive. PFA voters often notice players who elevate their teams beyond expectations — and Palmer fits that mold perfectly. His performances in London derbies and against top-six opponents have made headlines, and if he continues this trajectory, Palmer could make history. From academy product to elite playmaker, Palmer’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular.

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• Top 10 Bundesliga Players to Watch in the 2025/2026 Season

5. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Phil Foden has evolved from a promising academy talent to one of Manchester City’s most important first-team players. The 2025/26 season has seen him take center stage, stepping up creatively and contributing consistently with goals and assists. Pep Guardiola has shown immense trust in him, often deploying Foden in central roles where he can influence the game more directly.

Foden’s dribbling, movement, and understanding of space are unmatched. Whether he plays on the wing or in midfield, he creates chaos for defenders and opens up lanes for Haaland or De Bruyne. What separates him this season is his maturity — he no longer plays in flashes but performs with regularity, week in and week out.

Statistically, Foden is reaching double digits in both goals and assists, and his performances in big games are earning him widespread recognition. If Manchester City wins another league title or makes a strong run in Europe, Foden’s role will be pivotal. With the added responsibility and visibility, he’s now truly in the mix for individual accolades. For fans and pundits alike, this may be the year when Phil Foden finally gets the spotlight he’s long deserved as a PFA Player of the Year contender.

4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Bukayo Saka remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent and electrifying performers. At just 23, he’s already a seasoned leader for Arsenal and a fan favorite across the league. Saka’s ability to cut inside, beat defenders, and provide inch-perfect crosses has made him the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. Whether it’s goals, assists, or key passes, he delivers.

Under Arteta’s guidance, Saka has sharpened his decision-making and physicality. He no longer just excites with flair — he hurts teams with productivity. This season, he’s racked up double figures in both goals and assists and played a decisive role in crucial matches. His performances in high-pressure situations, including derbies and title-deciders, have showcased his elite mentality.

The PFA Player of the Year often rewards consistency, influence, and leadership. Saka checks all three boxes. If Arsenal continues to compete for the Premier League crown and Saka keeps leading the front line, his name will undoubtedly be in every end-of-season award discussion. What once seemed like youthful potential is now world-class reality. In 2025/26, Saka is not just Arsenal’s hope — he’s one of the league’s best and a top-tier contender for the PFA crown.

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Despite being one of the older stars on this list, Mohamed Salah’s level remains as high as ever. Entering the 2025/26 season, he continues to defy expectations with relentless consistency. Salah still produces goals at an elite rate and contributes assists in key moments. His trademark runs, one-on-one finishes, and composure under pressure have not diminished.

This season, he’s led Liverpool’s attacking stats, proving again that age is just a number. He has adapted his game, relying more on intelligent positioning and clinical finishing. Even in a changing Liverpool side with new players coming in, Salah remains the anchor. His leadership on the pitch and ability to turn a game around make him indispensable to Klopp’s system.

Voters often admire longevity combined with excellence, and Salah exemplifies both. His goal involvements are once again among the league’s highest, and if Liverpool pushes City and Arsenal close for the title, Salah will have played a major role. Having previously won the award in 2018, he knows what it takes to earn this honor. If he keeps his current form, Salah could very well lift the PFA Player of the Year trophy once more — as a symbol of both legacy and continued greatness.

2. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice has proven to be one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfielders since his record-breaking move to Arsenal. In the 2025/26 season, he has elevated his game even further—combining defensive stability with forward drive. Whether breaking up play, launching counter-attacks, or shielding the backline, Rice is the engine behind Arsenal’s structure.

This season, Rice has added more progressive passing and goal contributions to his game. His improvement going forward has added new dimensions to Arsenal’s midfield, and his leadership on the pitch continues to shine. Mikel Arteta has used him in both holding and box-to-box roles, and Rice has thrived in both positions. His consistency and ability to control the midfield in big matches have made him a reliable force in Arsenal’s title push.

The PFA often recognizes players who offer both consistency and influence, and Rice embodies both qualities. With Arsenal competing at the top again, his pivotal role could earn him major individual recognition. If he continues his form throughout the season, Rice may find himself among the top five in PFA voting — a testament to how vital he has become in both defense and buildup play for the Gunners.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland remains the undisputed top contender for the 2025/26 PFA Player of the Year Award. After smashing goal-scoring records in previous seasons, he continues to lead the Premier League’s charts with unstoppable power. His strength, pace, and finishing make him one of the most feared strikers in world football — and he shows no signs of slowing down.

This season, Haaland has added layers to his game. He’s not only scoring goals but also linking up more effectively with teammates like Foden and De Bruyne. His improved movement and smarter positioning have made him even harder to mark. Against top teams and in pressure moments, Haaland consistently delivers, often deciding games with just one chance.

As the spearhead of Manchester City’s title charge, his value to Pep Guardiola’s side is immeasurable. With multiple braces, hat-tricks, and match-winners already in the books, Haaland’s dominance is once again clear. Unless injuries or an unlikely dip in form occur, it’s hard to see anyone beating him to the PFA crown. His numbers speak volumes, and his impact is undeniable. In 2025/26, Erling Haaland looks destined to claim yet another prestigious individual award.

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