The EA SPORTS Player of the Season award is a highly anticipated event, and the 2025/26 edition is no exception. With eight exceptional players nominated, the competition is fierce, and the choice is yours. But who deserves the title of the BEST performer of the campaign? Let's take a closer look at each nominee and explore why they stand out.
The Contenders
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Fernandes has been the driving force behind Manchester United's impressive run up the Premier League table. With eight goals and 19 assists in 33 matches, he has been instrumental in securing UEFA Champions League football for next season. What's more fascinating is that he is on the verge of matching the all-time assists record in a season, currently held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. His ability to score and create goals with vision and precision is truly remarkable, and his EA SPORTS March Player of the Month success is a testament to his consistent excellence. However, one might argue that United's overall team performance has been more impressive than Fernandes' individual brilliance.
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Gabriel has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's defense, dominating in the heart of their defense and laying the foundation for their title challenge. With a competition-low 26 goals conceded, he has been a key part of the Gunners' success. His incredible 88% successful pass rate and nearly two-thirds win rate in duels are impressive statistics. Additionally, he has scored three goals and set up four more, showcasing his all-around impact. However, one might question whether Arsenal's overall team defense is more impressive than Gabriel's individual performance.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Gibbs-White has stepped up in the absence of last season's top scorer, Chris Wood, and established himself as Forest's main attacking threat. With 13 goals and four assists, he has been a key player in Forest's survival in the Premier League. His stellar form in April, when he scored four goals and provided an assist in just three matches, earned him his first EA SPORTS Player of the Month award. However, one might argue that Forest's overall team performance has been more impressive than Gibbs-White's individual brilliance.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland has been business as usual for Manchester City's prolific Norwegian marksman. With 26 goals from 34 appearances, he is on the cusp of winning his third Coca-Cola Golden Boot award in four seasons. His nine goals in City's opening seven matches set the tone for another remarkable season, and his ability to score in just 111 matches is truly impressive. However, one might argue that Haaland's success is more a result of his team's overall dominance than his individual brilliance.
David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya has claimed the Coca-Cola Golden Glove award for the third successive season, and for good reason. With 18 clean sheets, he has been ever-present for Arsenal, producing big saves in key moments. His stunning stop from Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh won December's Coca-Cola Save of the Month award, and his consistency throughout the season has been remarkable. However, one might argue that Raya's success is more a result of Arsenal's overall team defense than his individual brilliance.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has been the driving force behind Arsenal's title challenge, excelling in a No 8 role and showing versatility when asked to fill in as an emergency right-back. With five assists, he has stepped up impressively in the absence of injured captain Martin Odegaard. However, one might argue that Rice's success is more a result of Arsenal's overall team performance than his individual brilliance.
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Semenyo played a starring role for two clubs this season, joining Manchester City in the January transfer window after a stunning start to 2025/26 at AFC Bournemouth. He made an immediate impact at City, recording three goals and one assist across five appearances in the Premier League in February, and won his first EA SPORTS Player of the Month award. However, one might argue that Semenyo's success is more a result of City's overall team dominance than his individual brilliance.
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Thiago has more than made up for lost time with a sensational first full campaign in the Premier League. With 22 goals, he has given Haaland a run for his money in the race for the Golden Boot. However, one might argue that Thiago's success is more a result of his team's overall performance than his individual brilliance.
The Verdict
In my opinion, the EA SPORTS Player of the Season award should go to David Raya. His consistency, reliability, and ability to produce big saves in key moments have been invaluable to Arsenal's success. While other players have had outstanding individual performances, Raya's overall impact on his team's defense has been truly remarkable. However, I understand that others may argue for different nominees, and the choice is ultimately yours.
The Bigger Picture
The EA SPORTS Player of the Season award is more than just an individual honor. It reflects the overall performance of a team and the impact of a player on their club's success. While individual brilliance is undoubtedly important, the success of a team is often a result of collective effort and strategy. As such, the award is a celebration of the beautiful game and the hard work that goes into achieving success on the pitch.
