Every Premier League campaign leaves behind its own mythology, the collapses, the redemption arcs, the players who bent matches to their will. And 2025/26 was no different. Arsenal finally shook off their ghosts, City lurched into a new era, Forest clung on thanks to one man, and Bournemouth somehow gate‑crashed Europe. Out of all that chaos comes clarity: the For Foot Sake Premier League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper
David Raya – No competition here. The Spaniard could easily have been the player of the season, let alone the best goalkeeper. He saved Arsenal so many points, in particular against Manchester United, Chelsea, Brentford, Brighton & West Ham, all of which, if not made, would have cost the Gunners points. It’s staggering that he hasn’t been selected in Spain’s World Cup squad, but Arsenal won’t mind, a rested Raya is imperative to their hopes for next season.
Defence
Nico O’Reilly – What a breakout year. The Englishman became Manchester City’s Swiss army knife, popping up in multiple positions and delivering when it mattered most. His Carabao Cup heroics at Wembley were the stuff of folklore, and in the league he chipped in with five goals and four assists. O’Reilly’s versatility will be crucial as City transition into the post‑Guardiola era, and his emergence has been one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
William Saliba – Saliba’s calm authority at the back was the bedrock of Arsenal’s title triumph. His reading of the game, composure in possession, and ability to snuff out danger made him one of the league’s standout defenders. Alongside Gabriel, he formed the most reliable centre‑back pairing in England, and his consistency was a huge factor in Arsenal ending their 22‑year wait for the trophy.
Gabriel – The Brazilian was a titan in both boxes. Defensively, he was aggressive and commanding; offensively, he chipped in with crucial goals from set pieces. His partnership with Saliba gave Arsenal the perfect blend of steel and intelligence, and his contributions at key moments underlined his importance to Arteta’s side.
Michael Kayode – Brentford’s season had plenty of bright sparks, but Kayode’s emergence at right‑back was one of the most distinctive. Not only did he defend with maturity beyond his years, he added a weapon that unsettled every opponent: his long throws. Time and again, they turned routine situations into chaos, creating chances and keeping Brentford on the front foot. In a league where set‑piece innovation can be the difference, Kayode stood out as a genuine specialist, and his contribution deserves recognition in this XI.
Midfield
Declan Rice – The heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield and arguably the signing that transformed them into champions. Rice contributed at both ends, shielding the defence, driving forward, and scoring vital goals against Burnley, West Ham and Bournemouth. His leadership and consistency made him indispensable, and he has now firmly established himself as world‑class.
Bruno Fernandes – The PFA Player of the Year and record‑breaker. Fernandes registered 21 assists, the most ever in a Premier League season, and carried Manchester United through difficult stretches almost single‑handedly. His creativity, vision, and sheer willpower made him the league’s most influential playmaker, and his numbers speak for themselves.
Morgan Gibbs-White – Forest’s survival owes everything to Gibbs‑White. Fifteen goals and four assists from midfield is an outrageous return, and his omission from England’s World Cup squad feels criminal. He was the difference between relegation and safety, and his performances were a reminder of just how good he can be when given responsibility.
Forwards
Erling Haaland – Another Golden Boot, another season of relentless finishing. Haaland remains the most feared striker in the world, scoring goals at a rate that feels almost unfair. His presence alone bends defences out of shape, and his consistency is staggering.
Antoine Semenyo – Seventeen goals and six assists tell only part of the story. Semenyo was Bournemouth’s talisman and a constant menace, combining pace, power, and composure. His availability week in, week out gave his side a platform, and his rise has been one of the season’s most inspiring narratives.
Junior Kroupi – Thirteen goals in your debut Premier League season as a teenager? That’s not normal. Kroupi lit up Bournemouth’s campaign, helping them to a stunning sixth‑place finish. His fearlessness, technical quality, and knack for big moments mark him out as one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Verdict
From Raya’s heroics to Kroupi’s teenage brilliance, this XI captures the season’s defining stories, Arsenal’s long‑awaited triumph, United’s reliance on Fernandes, City’s transition, and Bournemouth’s fairytale rise. It’s a team built not just on numbers, but on moments that shaped the 2025/26 Premier League.
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