EPL Player of the Season: Top 5 Contenders for 2025/26

Mohamed Salah had a phenomenal campaign during the 2024/25 Premier League season, guiding Liverpool to the league title with a staggering return of 29 goals and 18 assists. The Egyptian winger was in imperious form, clinching the Premier League Player of the Season accolade for a second time and reaffirming his position among the footballing elite.

However, as the 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway, Salah’s dominance faces stiff opposition.

With Erling Haaland eager to reclaim his throne, Alexander Isak continuing his impressive development, and two blockbuster signings in Florian Wirtz and Viktor Gyokeres entering the scene, the battle for individual accolades has intensified significantly.

Below are our top five predictions for the players most likely to capture the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season award – and surprisingly, Salah might not be ranked first.

#5: Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for a reported fee of £116 million represents one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer.

More than just increasing competition for attacking roles at Anfield, the 22-year-old is expected to be Liverpool’s primary creative influence and might finally fill the creative void left by Philippe Coutinho’s departure.

Wirtz delivered a standout performance in the Bundesliga last season, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists across 31 appearances for Leverkusen.

While those numbers may not yet rival the tallies of recent Golden Boot winners, it’s important to consider that Wirtz will have to share the goal-scoring spotlight with Salah.

Operating in the shadows of Liverpool’s long-standing talisman is no easy feat. For Wirtz to justify his hefty price tag, he must establish himself as a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s final third alongside one of the Premier League’s most iconic players.

#4: Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha may not have built a reputation solely based on goal scoring, but he was undoubtedly Wolverhampton Wanderers’ standout performer last season.

Registering 15 goals, Cunha finished among the Premier League’s top ten scorers, impressing consistently throughout the campaign. His performances ultimately earned him a £62.5 million move to Manchester United.

Though Old Trafford has seen several marquee signings struggle in recent years, the arrival of Ruben Amorim as manager could mark a turning point. Amorim’s leadership may be the catalyst that sparks a revival at United, with Cunha playing a central role in the transformation.

Paired with Bryan Mbeumo, the Brazilian forward has the potential to engineer a new chapter at the Theatre of Dreams, as the Red Devils aim to restore their status as Premier League title contenders.

#3: Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres departed English football two years ago, leaving Coventry City to join Sporting CP as a rising star with significant promise.

Now returning to the British football scene, Gyokeres arrives as one of the continent’s most prolific strikers. Arsenal have invested £54.8 million in the Swedish international, handing him the No.14 shirt with hopes he can elevate their frontline.

Gyokeres brings a powerful physical presence and a clinical edge in front of goal – qualities that Arsenal have arguably lacked in previous title pursuits.

Having finished runners-up for three consecutive seasons, the pressure is on Mikel Arteta to end the Gunners’ long wait for a Premier League crown. The 27-year-old could well be the final piece in Arteta’s attacking puzzle.

#2: Mohamed Salah

As already highlighted, Mohamed Salah delivered an extraordinary campaign last season. However, he turned 33 in June, raising natural questions about the sustainability of his output.

Liverpool may find it unrealistic to expect another record-setting campaign from their legendary wide forward, but it would be foolish to dismiss him from the Player of the Season conversation purely based on age.

Nonetheless, Salah’s road to a potential third Player of the Season honour may be complicated by Liverpool’s increased attacking depth.

The arrival of Florian Wirtz, alongside the signing of Hugo Ekitike, adds further dimension and competition in the final third.

This boost in offensive options could see Salah’s goal contributions distributed more widely across the squad – possibly impacting his statistical dominance.

#1: Erling Haaland

It could be the perfect moment for Erling Haaland to reclaim his position as the Premier League’s most dominant force.

After a below-par 2024/25 season by his own standards, Manchester City will be desperate to respond with strength – and Haaland will likely be the focal point of that resurgence.

Despite summer reinforcements at the Etihad, the 25-year-old Norwegian remains central to Pep Guardiola’s mission to wrestle back the league title.

Haaland has already won the Premier League Golden Boot in his first two seasons in England, including a record-breaking haul of 36 goals in 35 appearances during the 2022/23 season.

Few would bet against the former Borussia Dortmund striker breaching the 30-goal mark once again in 2025/26. Should he rediscover his lethal touch, Haaland will undoubtedly be the frontrunner for the Premier League Player of the Season accolade.

최종 생각

The competition for individual recognition in the Premier League has never been more fierce. While Mohamed Salah remains a top contender, a new generation of stars is rising fast.

With elite talents like Erling Haaland, Florian Wirtz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Matheus Cunha determined to leave their mark on the 2025/26 campaign, the race for Player of the Season is set to be one of the most enthralling in recent memory.

Whether it’s a familiar face lifting the trophy or a breakout star making history, one thing is certain – the stage is set for another unforgettable Premier League season.