Semenyo, Haaland, Rice, Fernandes Nominated For Premier League Player Of The Season

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has been named among the eight elite nominees for the Premier League Player of the Season award for the 2025/26 campaign, capping a remarkable campaign that saw him shine for two different clubs.

The Premier League officially unveiled the shortlist on its website on Thursday, with Semenyo standing alongside some of the division’s biggest stars.

The seven other nominees are: Arsenal’s formidable trio of defender Gabriel, goalkeeper David Raya, and midfield engine Declan Rice; Manchester City’s prolific marksman Erling Haaland; Brentford’s powerful striker Igor Thiago; Manchester United captain and creative hub Bruno Fernandes; and Nottingham Forest’s dynamic playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Fans now have the opportunity to vote for their favorite player, with the poll open until Monday, 18 May. The winner will be determined by a combination of the public vote and the judgment of a panel of football experts, with the final result scheduled to be announced next week.

In its official citation, the Premier League highlighted the unusual and impressive nature of Semenyo’s season.

The Black Stars forward began the 2025/26 campaign in spectacular fashion at AFC Bournemouth before completing a high-profile January transfer to Manchester City.

“Semenyo played a starring role for two clubs this season,” the league’s write-up noted. “He made an immediate impact at his new club, recording three goals and one assist across five Premier League appearances in February, to win his first EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.”

The citation also praised the 25-year-old’s tactical versatility, which has made him an invaluable asset to Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing side “He continued to impress in numerous attacking roles, including on both wings, as a forward and in midfield, slotting seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s side as they aim to hunt down Arsenal in the title race.”

With Arsenal leading the charge at the top of the table, Semenyo’s contributions have been vital for City as they seek to close the gap in the final weeks of the season.

His ability to adapt instantly to Guardiola’s demanding system—and to deliver decisive performances in the heat of a championship chase—has elevated his reputation from promising talent to genuine Premier League star.

As voting gets underway, Semenyo faces stiff competition from established superstars like Haaland and Rice, but his unique two-club heroics and rapid rise make him one of the most compelling candidates on the shortlist.