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

The 2025-26 Premier League season has kicked off with remarkable performances, spotlighting stars like Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others who are making a strong case for the Player of the Year award. As the competition intensifies, these players have shown exceptional skill and consistency, influencing their teams’ fortunes significantly.

After a quieter previous season, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland returned with renewed vigor, driving Manchester City forward as they eye another title. Meanwhile, Declan Rice continues to be Arsenal’s midfield cornerstone. Here's a detailed look at the contenders shaping the Premier League POTY race for 2026.

Premier League 2026 POTY Power Rankings: The Top 10

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

How We Rate the Players

The rankings consider individual stats, current form, and impact on team results. Goals, assists, passes, tackles, and overall influence shape the list. A player's consistency and role in helping their club succeed also weigh heavily.

Profiles of the Top Contenders

Mbeumo has brought flair and goal threat from the right wing, scoring five times and assisting once. His ability to create chances and dangerous touches inside the box highlight his importance.

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

Timber has claimed the right-back spot with a blend of aggressive defending and smart ball control. He averages 3.47 tackles per game and wins over half his duels, contributing two goals so far.

• Appearances: 11
• Aerial Duels Won: 45.5%
• Blocks per 90: 0.74
• Interceptions per 90: 0.61

The Hungarian midfielder impresses with sharp passing and dribbling skills, boasting an 86.9% pass accuracy and 60% dribble success rate, lifting Liverpool despite their struggles.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 1+1
• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.11
• Progressive Carries per 90: 2.74

Doku adds pace and creativity on the wings, with one goal and three assists. His 4.91 dribbles per match disrupt defenses, creating space for teammates like Haaland.

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

Xhaka leads Sunderland’s midfield with composure and precision, registering one goal and three assists while maintaining a high average rating of 7.3.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 1+3
• Progressive Passes per 90: 7.90
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.21

Rice is Arsenal’s engine, balancing defense and attack effectively. His two goals and two assists, alongside a 70% dribble success rate, underpin his influence.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 2+2
• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.53
• Progressive Carries per 90: 2.78

Semenyo shines with six goals and three assists, carrying Bournemouth with his tricky winger play that could attract bigger clubs soon.

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

The Brazilian defender excels defensively and offensively, scoring once and assisting twice. He wins over 60% of aerial duels and boasts excellent passing accuracy.

• Appearances: 11
• Aerial Duels Won: 60.3%
• Blocks per 90: 0.92
• Interceptions per 90: 0.91

Caicedo transformed Chelsea’s midfield this season with three goals and one assist. His interceptions and tackling make him crucial in Chelsea’s climb up the table.

• Appearances: 11
• Goals + Assists: 3+1
• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.02
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.07

Haaland leads the chart with a stunning 14 goals and 1 assist, showing remarkable efficiency with a 31.8% shot conversion. His hold-up play and presence in the box are formidable.

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

FAQs

• When is the Premier League POTY usually announced? The award is typically revealed during the second or third week of May.
• How many Premier League POTY awards has Haaland won? Haaland has won it once.
• How many times has Mohamed Salah won the POTY? Salah has earned the award three times: 2018, 2022, and 2025.
• Where does Declan Rice stand in the 2026 POTY rankings? He ranks fifth.
• Is Antoine Semenyo in the top 10 for 2026? Yes, he holds fourth place.
• Did Mohamed Salah make the 2026 POTY list? No, he did not feature in the top 10 this year.