Premier League Player of the Year 2026: Top 10 Contenders Power Rankings

Premier League Player of the Year 2026 Power Rankings: Top 10 Contenders

The 2025-26 Premier League season has kicked off with thrilling performances, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others who are dominating the headlines. Here, we rank the leading candidates vying for the Player of the Year award in 2026.

This season has brought remarkable moments, spectacular goals, and players who have reshaped the league with their talent and influence. The battle for the Premier League POTY intensifies as some individuals emerge as frontrunners through their attacking skill and vital contributions to their clubs' campaigns—whether chasing the title, Champions League spots, or survival.

After a quieter previous season, Erling Haaland returns forcefully to push Manchester City forward, looking to reclaim the Premier League crown. Similarly, Declan Rice drives Arsenal from midfield, proving indispensable. This article reviews the Premier League 2026 Player of the Year power rankings.

Top 10 Premier League POTY Contenders for 2026

The contenders cover a range from solid defenders to prolific attackers and versatile midfielders. Rankings consider stats, current form, and team impact. Below are the Top 10 players, listed from tenth to first, based on average ratings from Sportsdunia’s Premier League statistics.

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

How We Decide the Player of the Year Rankings

The rankings evaluate players based on three pillars: individual stats, overall consistency, and impact on their team’s success.

• Individual Performance: Goals, assists, tackles, passes, and other key stats shape the baseline for each player’s standing.
• Form Consistency: A high average rating over many games shows sustained quality, not just flashes of brilliance.
• Team Influence: Players who lift their teams, whether fighting for titles or battling relegation, score higher for their decisive roles.

Stats are sourced from Sportsdunia, FB Brief, and FotMob, reflecting only Premier League action.

Spotlight on the Top 10 Premier League POTY Candidates

Signed by Manchester United to fill a long-vacant role on the right wing, Mbeumo has impressed by cutting inside to score and assist. He’s created nearly two chances per game and makes 4.9 touches inside the opponent’s box per match. His 5 goals and 1 assist highlight his threat, though United sits 7th overall.

• Appearances: 11
• xG: 0.30
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 1

Taking over Arsenal’s right-back duties, Timber blends aggression with calmness. Defensively, he averages 3.47 tackles per match and wins more than half his duels. Offensively, he’s contributed 2 goals this season. His all-around play is crucial for Arsenal’s title ambitions.

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

The Hungarian midfielder, often compared to Kevin De Bruyne, dazzles with precise passing (87% accuracy) and strong dribbling success (60%). Despite Liverpool struggling in 8th place, Szoboszlai remains a bright spot, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist.

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

Doku is one of the most improved wingers worldwide, known for his tricky dribbling that unsettles defenses. His 1 goal and 3 assists help propel Manchester City to second place. Averaging nearly 5 successful dribbles per game, he creates space for teammates like Haaland.

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

Many doubted Sunderland's signing of Xhaka, but he’s become their midfield anchor, leading them to fourth place. With 1 goal and 3 assists, plus an impressive average rating of 7.3, he’s a key figure in their rise.

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

As Arsenal’s midfield engine, Rice links defense and attack with authority. He’s contributed 2 goals and 2 assists while maintaining a 70% dribble success rate. His presence is central to Arsenal’s strong campaign.

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

The Ghanaian winger has been outstanding for Bournemouth, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. He’s carried his side into the top half despite losing defensive stars in summer. His trickiness and pace make him a player to watch.

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

Among defenders, Gabriel stands out. His aerial dominance (winning 60.3% duels), sharp interceptions, and solid blocks stabilize Arsenal’s backline. Offensively, he’s chipped in with 1 goal and 2 assists, boasting 90% pass accuracy.

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

After a slow start, Caicedo has become Chelsea’s midfield lynchpin, contributing 3 goals and an assist. His interceptions (2.48 per game) and tough tackling make him indispensable. Chelsea currently hold third place thanks in large part to him.

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

Haaland tops the list with an incredible 14 goals and 1 assist in just 11 matches. With a shot conversion rate near 32%, he’s a lethal finisher. Beyond goals, his improved link-up and hold-up play make him City's central weapon.

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

Common Questions About the 2026 Premier League POTY Award

• When is the Premier League Player of the Year usually announced? Typically during the second or third week of May.
• How many times has Haaland won the Premier League POTY? Once.
• How many POTY awards does Mohamed Salah have? Three times (2018, 2022, 2025).
• What is Declan Rice’s rank in the 2026 POTY race? Fifth place.
• Is Antoine Semenyo in the top 10 POTY contenders? Yes, ranked fourth.
• Where does Mohamed Salah stand in the 2026 POTY rankings? He does not appear in the top 10 list.