sportnews full logo

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

The 2025-26 Premier League season is off to an electrifying start, with stars like Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others dominating headlines. This article ranks the leading candidates for the coveted Player of the Year (POTY) award in 2026.

Some players have already distinguished themselves through their remarkable goals, assists, and overall influence on their teams. Their performances are pivotal in the quest for the Premier League title, Champions League spots, or survival from relegation.

Erling Haaland, after a somewhat disappointing previous season, has returned with remarkable form to lead Manchester City. Likewise, Declan Rice remains central to Arsenal's success as their midfield maestro. Below is our detailed ranking of the top contenders for the 2026 Premier League POTY.

Top 10 Premier League POTY Contenders for 2026

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

What Shapes the Premier League POTY Rankings?

  • Individual Performance Metrics: Goals, assists, tackles, passes, and other stats form the foundation of these rankings.
  • Overall Form: Consistency matters. A player’s rating across matches is weighed heavily.
  • Impact on Team Success: Players who significantly influence their team’s results gain higher ranks.

Statistics here are sourced exclusively from Sportsdunia, FB Brief, and FotMob, focusing solely on Premier League performances.

Profiles of the Top Contenders

Mbeumo has injected quality on the right wing, scoring 5 goals and assisting once in 11 appearances. He creates nearly two chances per game and averages almost five touches inside the opposition box, making him a real threat despite United sitting seventh.

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

Timber has taken over as Arsenal’s right back, offering tough defense and effective offense. He averages 3.47 tackles and wins over half his duels each match while contributing 2 goals this season.

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

The Hungarian midfielder boasts an 86.9% pass accuracy and successful dribbling rate of 60%. Despite Liverpool's struggles, Szoboszlai remains a key playmaker with 1 goal and 1 assist.

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

Doku’s pace and dribbling create havoc for defenders. With 1 goal and 3 assists, he averages nearly 5 dribbles per game, helping free space for Haaland upfront.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Expected Goals (xG): 0.15
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 3

Since joining Sunderland, Xhaka has been a midfield leader, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists. His progressive passing average is high at 7.90 per game, helping Sunderland secure fourth place.

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

Rice drives Arsenal’s engine room with 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 games. He boasts a 70% dribble success and plays a vital role linking defense and attack.

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

Semenyo has impressed with 6 goals and 3 assists, carrying Bournemouth to ninth despite defensive losses. His tricky wing play stands out.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Expected Goals (xG): 0.42
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 3

One of the league’s top defenders, Gabriel combines strong aerial ability with precise ball skills. He averages winning 60.3% of aerial duels and has contributed 1 goal and 2 assists.

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

Caicedo has bounced back strongly, playing a key role in Chelsea’s rise to third. His 3 goals, 1 assist, 2.48 interceptions, and tenacious tackling highlight his impact.

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

Haaland’s dominance is clear with 14 goals and 1 assist, boasting a 31.8% shot conversion rate. Improved link-up play and 7.12 touches inside the box underline his status as the leading candidate.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.05
  • Goals: 14
  • Assists: 1

FAQ About Premier League POTY 2026

  • When is the Premier League 2026 POTY usually awarded? The award is generally announced in the second or third week of May.
  • How many POTY awards has Haaland won? Just one so far.
  • How many times has Mohamed Salah won the award? Three times - in 2018, 2022, and 2025.
  • Where does Declan Rice rank in the 2026 POTY list? He sits fifth.
  • Is Antoine Semenyo included among the top 10 contenders? Yes, he ranks fourth.
  • Did Mohamed Salah make the 2026 POTY rankings? No, he did not appear in the list this year.

Related Articles