Top 10 Premier League Player of the Year Contenders for 2026

The 2025-26 Premier League season is underway with some standout performances. Players such as Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others have already made a mark. We explore the leading contenders for the 2026 Premier League Player of the Year (POTY) award.

This season has delivered exciting moments, impressive goals, and players whose skill sets are shaping the competition. The Premier League POTY power rankings highlight those who are crucial to their clubs’ ambitions—whether it’s chasing the title, securing Champions League spots, or avoiding relegation.

Erling Haaland bounced back strongly after a less impressive previous campaign, driving Manchester City towards another title challenge. Similarly, Declan Rice remains a key figure for Arsenal. Let’s look at the current top 10 contenders for the Premier League 2026 POTY.

Top 10 Premier League 2026 POTY Contenders

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

How the Rankings Are Determined

These rankings reflect three main factors:

• Individual Performance: Basic stats like goals, assists, tackles, and passes are crucial.
• Consistency: Players must maintain strong form across matches; sporadic performances don’t make the cut.
• Team Impact: Contribution to team success, whether in attack or defense, influences ranking.

Data is sourced from Sportsdunia, FB Brief, and FotMob, covering only Premier League games.

Player Profiles and Stats

Mbeumo has been a revelation on the right wing, bringing goal threat and creativity that Manchester United lacked. He has scored 5 goals and assisted once, creating nearly 1.8 chances per game and making almost 5 touches inside the box per match.

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

Timber has established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right back with his aggressive defending and ability to contribute going forward. He averages over 3 tackles per game and wins more than half of his duels.

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

Often compared to Kevin De Bruyne, Szoboszlai’s passing precision (86.9%) and dribbling success (60%) shine even as Liverpool struggle. He contributes both goals and assists while driving play forward effectively.

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

Doku has evolved into a major attacking force with his dazzling dribbling and playmaking. With 1 goal and 3 assists, his ability to break defensive lines helps free up space for teammates like Haaland.

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

Xhaka took Sunderland by surprise when he joined, but his leadership and midfield control have driven them to fourth place. He has a solid average rating and contributes with goals and assists.

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

The midfield anchor for Arsenal, Rice links defense and attack smoothly. His physicality and passing help drive the team forward. He has tallied 2 goals and 2 assists so far.

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

Semenyo’s flair and goal-scoring have propelled Bournemouth up the table. With 6 goals and 3 assists, he’s been a vital player despite the team losing defensive stars over summer.

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

Among the best defenders this season, Gabriel combines aerial dominance and ball-playing skills. He contributes offensively too, with a goal and two assists. His pass accuracy stands at 90%.

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

Caicedo’s rise at Chelsea has been remarkable after a slow start. His defensive interceptions and tackles, combined with three goals and an assist, have lifted Chelsea to third place.

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

Haaland looks unstoppable this season, scoring 14 goals with a high conversion rate of nearly 32%. Beyond finishing, his improved link-up play and presence in the box make him Manchester City’s focal point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the Premier League POTY award usually announced? It’s typically announced during the second or third week of May.
• How many times has Erling Haaland won the Premier League POTY? He has won it once so far.
• How many Premier League POTY awards does Mohamed Salah have? Salah has won three awards in 2018, 2022, and 2025.
• Where does Declan Rice rank in the 2026 POTY standings? He is placed fifth.
• Is Antoine Semenyo in the top 10 contenders? Yes, he ranks fourth.
• Did Mohamed Salah make the 2026 POTY list? No, he did not appear in the 2026 rankings.