Premier League Player of the Year 2026: Top 10 Candidates Ranked

The 2025-26 Premier League season has kicked off with excitement, showcasing talents such as Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others shining brightly. Fans are already debating who will claim the Player of the Year award, as several players have distinguished themselves through impressive performances.

After a quieter previous season, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland returned strongly, driving Manchester City toward another title challenge. Meanwhile, Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s heartbeat, essential to their push for top honors. Here’s a detailed look at the Premier League Player of the Year power rankings for 2026.

Top 10 Premier League POTY Candidates (2025-26 Season)

• Rank 10: Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United, Age 26, Goals+Assists: 5+1, Avg. Rating: 7.3
• Rank 9: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal, Age 24, Goals+Assists: 2+1, Avg. Rating: 7.2
• Rank 8: Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool, Age 25, Goals+Assists: 1+1, Avg. Rating: 7.2
• Rank 7: Jeremy Doku – Manchester City, Age 23, Goals+Assists: 1+3, Avg. Rating: 7.2
• Rank 6: Granit Xhaka – Sunderland, Age 33, Goals+Assists: 1+3, Avg. Rating: 7.3
• Rank 5: Declan Rice – Arsenal, Age 26, Goals+Assists: 2+2, Avg. Rating: 7.4
• Rank 4: Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth, Age 25, Goals+Assists: 6+3, Avg. Rating: 7.0
• Rank 3: Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal, Age 27, Goals+Assists: 1+2, Avg. Rating: 7.3
• Rank 2: Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea, Age 24, Goals+Assists: 3+1, Avg. Rating: 7.3
• Rank 1: Erling Haaland – Manchester City, Age 25, Goals+Assists: 14+1, Avg. Rating: 7.7

How These Rankings Are Decided

The rankings consider three main factors: individual stats, overall consistency, and influence on their teams' fortunes. Numbers like goals, assists, passes, tackles, and duels won set the groundwork. Consistency matters too; a high average rating is crucial. Finally, how much a player helps their team climb the table or avoid relegation shapes their position.

Data comes from trusted sources like Sportsdunia, FB Brief, and FotMob, focusing strictly on Premier League matches.

Profiles of the Top 10 Players

Mbeumo has filled a long-standing gap on United's right wing, scoring five goals and providing one assist so far. With nearly two chances created per game and frequent touches inside the box, he adds real threat in attack despite United sitting seventh in the league.

• Appearances: 11
• Expected Goals (xG): 0.30
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 1

Timber quickly claimed Arsenal’s right-back spot with solid defending and attacking contributions. His tackling and duel-winning rates stand out, making him key to Arsenal’s title hopes.

• Appearances: 11
• Aerial Duels Won: 45.5%
• Blocks per game: 0.74
• Interceptions per game: 0.61

Often compared to Kevin De Bruyne, Szoboszlai impresses with his passing accuracy (86.9%) and dribbling success (60%). Though Liverpool struggles, he remains a bright spot in midfield.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 1 + 1
• Progressive Passes per game: 6.11
• Progressive Carries per game: 2.74

Doku’s quick feet and clever dribbles unsettle defenders, contributing one goal and three assists. His ability to disrupt defenses creates space for teammates like Haaland.

• Appearances: 11
• xG: 0.15
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 3

Xhaka surprised many by joining Sunderland but leads their midfield masterfully. His passing and leadership have helped push Sunderland into a strong league position.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 1 + 3
• Progressive Passes per game: 7.90
• Progressive Carries per game: 1.21

Rice is the engine that drives Arsenal forward. His balanced play includes two goals and two assists, plus a high dribble success rate, making him one of the world’s best midfielders.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 2 + 2
• Progressive Passes per game: 6.53
• Progressive Carries per game: 2.78

Semenyo's flair and scoring touch have lifted Bournemouth higher than expected. His six goals and three assists show he carries significant attacking weight for the Cherries.

• Appearances: 11
• xG: 0.42
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 3

The Brazilian center-back stands out with his aerial dominance and calm ball-playing. He has contributed offensively with one goal and two assists while anchoring Arsenal’s defense.

• Appearances: 11
• Aerial Duels Won: 60.3%
• Blocks per game: 0.92
• Interceptions per game: 0.91

After a slow start, Caicedo became Chelsea’s midfield powerhouse. His defensive skills and three goals plus an assist have pushed Chelsea into a top-three spot.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 3 + 1
• Progressive Passes per game: 6.02
• Progressive Carries per game: 1.07

Haaland dominates with 14 goals in 11 games and holds a remarkable 31.8% shot conversion rate. Beyond scoring, his improved link-up play makes him City’s focal point and the clear frontrunner for POTY.

• Appearances: 11
• xG: 1.05
• Goals: 14
• Assists: 1

FAQs About Premier League POTY 2026

• When is the award typically announced? Usually in the second or third week of May.
• How many times has Haaland won the award? He has won it once so far.
• How many times has Mohamed Salah won? Salah claimed the award three times—in 2018, 2022, and 2025.
• What rank does Declan Rice hold? Fifth in the 2026 rankings.
• Is Antoine Semenyo in the top 10? Yes, he ranks fourth.
• Where is Mohamed Salah in the 2026 list? He does not appear in the top 10 this year.