The EA SPORTS Player of the Season award is a prestigious recognition, but who deserves the title in 2025/26? With eight nominees, the choice is far from easy. Let's dive into the candidates and explore why each player has made a compelling case for the award.
The Contenders
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Fernandes has been the driving force behind Manchester United's rise up the Premier League table. With eight goals and 19 assists in 33 matches, he's not only secured Champions League football for the club but is also on the cusp of matching the all-time assists record in a season. His vision and precision have created all kinds of different goals, and his success as EA SPORTS March Player of the Month further cements his impact. However, United's inconsistent form and the team's overall performance might be a point of contention for some voters.
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Gabriel has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's defense, contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch. With an 88% successful pass rate and nearly two-thirds of duels won, he's made 34 blocks and 23 interceptions this season. His performance has been instrumental in Arsenal's charge towards a first Premier League title in 22 years. Gabriel's impact extends beyond the pitch, as he's also been a key figure in the club's success. However, some might argue that his role is more defensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Gibbs-White has stepped up in the absence of Chris Wood and established himself as Forest's main attacking threat. With 13 goals and four assists, he's nearly doubled his total from the previous season. 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, Forest's overall performance and the team's struggle to maintain consistency might be a concern for some voters.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland has been business as usual for Manchester City, leading the chase for the Golden Boot with 26 goals from 34 appearances. His nine goals in City's opening seven matches set the tone for another remarkable season. Haaland's scoring prowess is unmatched, and his ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a strong contender. However, some might argue that his role is more offensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya has claimed the Coca-Cola Golden Glove award for the third successive season, registering 18 clean sheets and producing big saves in key moments. His heroics between the posts have been instrumental in Arsenal's success. Raya's consistency and ability to keep clean sheets make him a strong contender for the award. However, some might argue that his role is more defensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
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. His five assists and clean sheet record make him a strong contender. However, some might argue that his role is more defensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Semenyo played a starring role for two clubs this season, joining Manchester City in January after a stunning start to 2025/26 at AFC Bournemouth. He made an immediate impact at his new club, recording three goals and one assist across five appearances in February. Semenyo's versatility and ability to slot seamlessly into Pep Guardiola's side make him a strong contender. However, some might argue that his role is more offensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
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's given Haaland a run for his money in the race for the Golden Boot. Thiago's powerful forward play and ability to score consistently make him a strong contender. However, some might argue that his role is more offensive and less impactful than that of other nominees.
The Verdict
The EA SPORTS Player of the Season award is a highly coveted title, and each nominee has made a compelling case for the award. However, from my perspective, the standout performer this season has been Gabriel. His all-around impact, both offensively and defensively, has been instrumental in Arsenal's success. His ability to dominate in the heart of defense and lay the foundation for the Gunners' charge towards a first Premier League title in 22 years makes him a strong contender. While other nominees have also made significant contributions, Gabriel's all-around performance and impact on the team's success make him the clear choice for the award.
