Declan Rice receives praise for what he did just seconds after Bruno Fernandes won PFA Player of the Year
Bruno Fernandes was named the men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season on Tuesday (August 25), just ahead of Declan Rice. Fans have been quick to praise the Arsenal midfielder for how gracefully he handled the news.
Even though Fernandes didn’t help Manchester United win any trophies last season, he had a fantastic personal year. He set a new Premier League record with 21 assists, beating Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, who both had 20 in previous seasons.
The 2026 PFA Awards took place at the Manchester Opera House, with many top Premier League stars there. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly won the Men’s PFA Young Player award. He also made the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, along with five Arsenal players — David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Rice — plus three City teammates: Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Antoine Semenyo. Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Fernandes were also included.
After helping Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and reach two finals, some Gunners players might feel a bit disappointed Rice didn’t win the Players’ Player award, especially since many thought he deserved it.
That said, fans on social media have been praising Rice for his respectful reaction when Juan Mata announced Fernandes as the winner. One fan said, “Fair play to Declan Rice, he was the only Arsenal player who actually clapped when Bruno was announced as the winner.” Another added, “One thing about Rice, he’ll always show respect. Proper mentality.”
Others noticed how Rice stood out among his teammates: “The cameraman went straight to the Arsenal players when Bruno was announced as the winner. Fair play to Declan Rice for being so enthusiastic in his applause.” Some fans also felt it was unfair Rice and Gabriel missed out on the award, saying team success should matter more than individual stats.
After the ceremony, Rice shared his thoughts, saying he and his teammates want to build a “great team” by winning back-to-back Premier League titles. He also praised Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta. “We need to do the exact same as last year — play with the same intensity and desire,” Rice said. “This year’s about mentality — you want to go back-to-back, you want to become a great team, not just win it once.” About Arteta, he added, “He’s been incredible for me and the club, and it’s because of him that we won last season.”
Arsenal will be back in Premier League action with an away game at Aston Villa on August 31.