Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has earned a nomination for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season award after a standout campaign that has seen him emerge as one of the most influential attacking players in England’s top flight.
The versatile forward has enjoyed a remarkable season split between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City following his January move to the Etihad Stadium.
Semenyo impressed heavily during the first half of the season at Bournemouth, where his pace, physicality and direct attacking style made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards before his transfer to the defending champions. With the Cherries, the Ghanaian scored 10 times in the PL before joining the Cityzens.
The 26-year-old adapted quickly under manager Pep Guardiola and became an important figure in Manchester City’s title chase. His ability to operate across the frontline added another dimension to City’s attack during the second half of the campaign.
Semenyo has registered 16 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League appearances this season, with his immediate impact after arriving in Manchester earning him the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award in February after contributing three goals and an assist in five league matches.
Arsenal Trio Headline Strong Shortlist
Semenyo is one of eight players shortlisted for the award, joining a strong field dominated by title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arsenal have three nominees in defender Gabriel Magalhães, goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Declan Rice after their impressive campaign at the top end of the table.
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel has been central to Arsenal’s defensive solidity, helping the Gunners concede the fewest goals in the division while also contributing 3 goals and 4 assists.
Raya has once again demonstrated consistency between the posts, recording 18 clean sheets to secure the Golden Glove award for a third consecutive season. Rice, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as one of the league’s best all-round midfielders, combining defensive discipline with creativity and leadership in Arsenal’s push for the title.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland also made the shortlist after another prolific campaign in front of goal. The Norwegian has scored 26 league goals and is on course to claim another Golden Boot award.
Also, Bruno Fernandes earned recognition for inspiring Manchester United back into the UEFA Champions League places with eight goals and 19 assists, while Morgan Gibbs-White was rewarded for another strong season at Nottingham Forest.
Igor Thiago completes the shortlist after netting 22 goals for Brentford in his first full Premier League season.
Carrick Earns Manager of the Season Nomination
The Barclays Manager of the Season shortlist also produced one of the campaign’s biggest surprises with former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick earning nomination despite only taking charge midway through the season.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and transformed United’s fortunes, guiding the club from sixth place to third in the table and securing Champions League qualification.
Under Carrick, United produced victories against rivals including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, collecting 33 points from just 15 league matches.
Guardiola is also shortlisted after keeping Manchester City firmly in the title race, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been recognised for leading the Gunners’ pursuit of a first league title in over two decades.
Andoni Iraola received nomination after steering Bournemouth towards possible European qualification despite losing key players, including Semenyo, during the campaign.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews and Régis Le Bris of Sunderland complete the shortlist following impressive seasons with their respective clubs.
Fans can vote for their preferred winners before the final results are announced next week.
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