Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been named the 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year, capping an outstanding breakthrough campaign for the 21 year old.
O’Reilly received the prestigious award at the 53rd annual PFA Awards in Manchester on Tuesday, with the winner decided by votes from fellow professional footballers.
The Manchester City academy graduate beat Rayan Cherki, Max Dowman, Junior Kroupi, Kobbie Mainoo and Rio Ngumoha to the award.
O’Reilly Enjoys Breakthrough Season
O’Reilly established himself as an important member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad during the 2025/26 season.
The versatile youngster featured in 53 matches across all competitions, contributing directly to 15 goals while operating in both midfield and at left-back.
His performances also earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award earlier in the year.
He played a particularly important role in City's domestic campaign, including scoring both goals in their 2–0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal.
Another Major Award for Manchester City Star
The PFA recognition adds to what has already been a remarkable collection of individual honours for O’Reilly.
His rise is particularly significant given that he came through Manchester City's academy after joining the club at the age of eight.
He has now progressed from academy football to becoming an established senior player and England international.
Manchester City have previously produced several winners of the PFA Young Player of the Year award, including Leroy Sané, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden. O’Reilly now joins that distinguished list.
At just 21, the award represents another major milestone in O’Reilly's rapidly developing career.
Nico O’Reilly is officially the 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year.