BRUNO Fernandes has been voted the Footballer of the Year, and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second time, in the Football Writers’ Association annual awards.
Manchester United captain Fernandes has been in fine form all season and is just one assist away from the English Premier League’s record of 20 in a season with three games to play.
In a close-run contest for the oldest and most prestigious individual award in football, the Portuguese midfielder beat runner-up Declan Rice by 28 votes. Erland Haaland of Manchester City was third.
Fernandes took 45 per cent of votes from the FWA’s 900 plus membership, and was the only United player to be nominated, while the Arsenal vote was divided between Rice, David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukaya Saka.
Wayne Rooney in 2010 was the last Manchester United player to win the award, which has been running since 1947.
Fernandes has provided 19 assists in the Premier League this season and is on course to beat current record holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
United have raced up the Premier League table into third place, inspired by a rejuvenated Fernandes, and are now set for next season’s Champions League thanks to their captain’s stellar performances including eight league goals. So far he has 27 goal involvements, while Rice has nine (four goals, five assists).
In the women’s award, Jamaica striker Shaw won the vote by a landslide, having led Manchester City to their first Women’s Super League title in 10 years with 19 goals in 21 games, leading to another Golden Boot, which she also achieved when she was voted Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo – who was last year’s winner – was second while Chelsea star Lauren James finished third.
Shaw has the chance to leave City on a high this summer, with an FA cup semi-final against Chelsea to come this weekend.
FWA chair John Cross, the Daily Mirror’s chief football writer, said: “Both players have been so influential in their team’s performances this season. They are also such great examples and role models in the game.
“Bruno is on course to break records and has thrilled us with his skill. Bunny is such a worthy winner, with 110 goals in 133 appearances for City since joining from Bordeaux in 2021.
“The standards she has set are remarkable. She is a fabulous person and an outstanding choice and player.”
The winners will be presented with their awards at the annual Footballer of the Year dinner in London on May 19.
