Arsenal stars David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice have been shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after playing key roles in the club’s Premier League title triumph.
Three of Arsenal’s biggest stars have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the club’s Premier League title-winning season after being nominated for the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
The players will have the final say…⁰⁰⌛️ pic.twitter.com/1NbGWIkGil
— PFA (@PFA) May 23, 2026
Goalkeeper David Raya, defender Gabriel Magalhaes and midfielder Declan Rice are among the six nominees selected by their fellow professionals. The Arsenal trio are joined on the shortlist by Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, as well as Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Their nominations come after a remarkable campaign that saw Arsenal secure their first league title since 2004.
The Gunners built their success on a rock-solid defensive foundation, conceding just 27 goals throughout the Premier League season, eight fewer than any other team in the division. Unsurprisingly, the same three players were also nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Raya enjoyed another exceptional year between the posts. The Spanish goalkeeper set the tone early in the season with a series of crucial saves during Arsenal’s opening-weekend victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. He finished the campaign with 19 clean sheets, earning a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove and further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite goalkeepers.
The 30-year-old also produced some memorable individual moments throughout the season. His stunning save to deny Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh in December earned him the Premier League Save of the Month award and has since been nominated for Save of the Season.
Gabriel’s influence was equally significant at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. The Brazilian recorded 23 interceptions and 34 blocks during another dominant campaign. However, his impact was not limited to defending.
The centre-back continued to pose a threat from set-pieces and scored important goals, including a dramatic 97th-minute winner against Newcastle United at St James’ Park that proved crucial in Arsenal’s title charge.
Meanwhile, Rice once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Whether operating as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or even filling in at right-back, the England international consistently delivered high-level performances.
Alongside his defensive contributions, Rice chipped in with vital goals and assists, including two crucial strikes in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.
The PFA award has a rich history at Arsenal. Since its introduction in 1974, only four Gunners have claimed the honour.
Liam Brady became the club’s first winner in 1979, followed by Dennis Bergkamp in 1998. Thierry Henry famously won the award in consecutive years in 2003 and 2004, while Robin van Persie became the most recent Arsenal recipient in 2012. The winners of this year’s awards will be revealed at a ceremony in Manchester on August 25, where Arsenal will hope one of their title-winning stars adds another chapter to the club’s proud history.
Max Dowman, Arsenal’s latest youngster was also nominated for the PFA awards, in the men’s young player of the year category. He is the youngest player to win the Premier League and also his goal in the 2-0 win against Everton in March, made him the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
PFA Men’s Player of the Year shortlist in full
- Rayan Cherki, Man City
- Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd
- Erling Haaland, Man City
- Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal
- David Raya, Arsenal
- Declan Rice, Arsenal
The Top Six for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year 🏆
Voted for by the players. pic.twitter.com/PMesJfVqOD
— PFA (@PFA) June 5, 2026
PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year shortlist in full
- Rayan Cherki, Man City
- Max Dowman, Arsenal
- Junior Kroupi, Bournemouth
- Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd
- Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool
- Nico O’Reilly, Man City
The Top Six for the PFA Young Player of the Year 🏆
Voted for by the players. pic.twitter.com/j8YPhO1Sdw
— PFA (@PFA) June 5, 2026
