PFA shortlist features Arsenal trio and Fernandes ahead of Manchester ceremony
Six Premier League stars have been nominated for the prestigious peer-voted award, with the winner to be revealed at the 53rd annual ceremony in August.
The Professional Footballers' Association has confirmed its shortlist for the men's player of the year award, nominating six Premier League players for the honour. The list includes Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya, alongside Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and Rayan Cherki.
The award is determined by a vote from fellow professional footballers, distinguishing it from media-led accolades. Earlier this month, Fernandes secured the Football Writers' Association's men's footballer of the year award, registering a record 21 Premier League assists to help United finish third in the table. That honour is often viewed as a strong indicator of the frontrunner for the PFA title.
Arsenal's nominees were pivotal in the club winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. Rice, Gabriel, and Raya were recognised for their key contributions across the season, with the trio joining the shortlist alongside other standout performers from the top flight.
Manchester City striker Haaland was also nominated after scoring 27 goals to claim the league's golden boot. Cherki, who enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League, rounds out the six nominees. The shortlist highlights a mix of individual statistical achievements and team success across the season.
The winner will be announced at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, 25 August. Mohamed Salah won the award last year after scoring 29 goals to help Liverpool win the Premier League, providing a recent benchmark for the peer-voted accolade.
