By Peter Omopo
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães have been named in the 2026 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year following outstanding performances during the 2025/26 campaign.
The 11-man selection, voted for by fellow professional footballers, was unveiled at the 2026 PFA Awards on Tuesday, with Arsenal and Manchester City providing the largest number of players in the prestigious team.
Haaland secured his place in the forward line after another prolific campaign in front of goal. The Norwegian scored 27 Premier League goals to finish as the league’s Golden Boot winner.
He is joined in attack by Manchester City teammate Antoine Semenyo and Brentford forward Igor Thiago.
Gabriel was one of five Arsenal players selected in the team, alongside goalkeeper David Raya, defenders William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, and midfielder Declan Rice.
Manchester City also had four representatives in the XI, with Haaland, Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly earning places. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes completed the midfield.
The full PFA Premier League Team of the Year comprises:
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Igor Thiago (Brentford)
The recognition further highlights the individual achievements of several players during the 2025/26 season.
Fernandes was previously named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after producing a record-breaking campaign for Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder registered 21 assists in the Premier League, setting a new single-season record.
The PFA Team of the Year is regarded as one of the most significant individual honours in English football because the selections are made by the players themselves, providing recognition from fellow professionals.
