Fans can vote until May 18 for their favorite among standout nominees including Rayan Cherki and Kobbie Mainoo
Category: Sports
As the 2025/26 Premier League season draws to a close, eight exceptional young players have been nominated for the coveted Young Player of the Season award. Fans can participate in selecting the winner until 12:00 BST on May 18, 2026, as seen in a trending post on r/soccer, where the nominees include Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and several others.
The Young Player of the Season award recognizes players aged 23 or younger at the start of the season, and this year’s nominees are Cherki, Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Michael Kayode (Brentford), Junior Kroupi (AFC Bournemouth), Nico O'Reilly (Man City), and Alex Scott (Bournemouth). The winner will be announced next week, with public votes combined with those from a panel of football experts.
Rayan Cherki has made a remarkable impact in his debut season with Manchester City, contributing significantly to the team's success. The 21-year-old winger has recorded 12 assists, ranking second in the league behind Bruno Fernandes, who has 19. Cherki's creativity has been highlighted by his high assists per 90 minutes (0.63) and his ability to create chances, leading to eight open-play opportunities in a single match against Burnley.
Meanwhile, Mateus Fernandes has been a bright spot for a struggling West Ham side. The Portuguese midfielder has three goals and three assists this season, alongside impressive defensive statistics, including 97 tackles and 29 chances created. His all-around play has made him a key figure in the Hammers’ midfield.
Lewis Hall, another nominee, has excelled at Newcastle United. The 21-year-old defender has shown versatility by playing in multiple positions, including left-back and as a wing-back. Hall has won 125 possessions and 154 duels this season, proving his worth as one of the league's most reliable defenders.
Brentford's Michael Kayode has also made a name for himself this season. Known for his long throw-ins, which have created numerous scoring opportunities, Kayode has won possession 155 times and made 64 tackles. His contributions have solidified his position as a key player in Brentford's defense.
Junior Kroupi has made headlines with his debut season at AFC Bournemouth. The 19-year-old forward has scored 12 goals, matching the record for the most goals by a teenager in their debut Premier League season, previously set by legends Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane. His goal-scoring prowess has been a major asset for Bournemouth this season.
Kobbie Mainoo, who plays for Manchester United, has experienced a remarkable turnaround under interim manager Michael Carrick. After struggling for minutes earlier in the season, Mainoo has become a regular starter, making 26 appearances and contributing one goal and two assists. His standout moment came when he scored the winning goal against Liverpool, securing a Champions League spot for United. Mainoo's development has also led to his recall to the England squad, with hopes of making the 2026 World Cup team.
Nico O'Reilly has enjoyed a breakout season at Manchester City, scoring five goals and providing three assists. His performances have earned him the Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year award, and he played a key role in City's success, including scoring twice in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal.
Finally, Alex Scott has been a consistent performer for Bournemouth, contributing to the club's impressive season. The 22-year-old midfielder has made 36 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His calmness on the ball and ability to win possession have been invaluable to Bournemouth's success.
The Premier League Young Player of the Season award was first introduced in the 2019-20 season, with previous winners including notable names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Cole Palmer. This award aims to recognize the exceptional talent and potential of young players within the league, encouraging their development and highlighting their contributions to their respective clubs.
This year's nominees represent a diverse range of clubs and playing styles, each bringing unique strengths to the table. As the voting period approaches its close, fans are encouraged to support their favorites, with the winner set to be announced shortly after the voting deadline.
Fans have until 12:00 BST on May 18 to cast their votes for the Young Player of the Season award. The public votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to determine the winner, who will be unveiled in the following week. This announcement will celebrate the achievements of the selected player and shine a light on the importance of nurturing young talent in the Premier League.
As the season wraps up, the excitement surrounding the Young Player of the Season award reflects the growing recognition of youth talent in English football. With several nominees also vying for places in their national teams, the implications of this award extend beyond the Premier League, potentially influencing selections for international competitions like the upcoming World Cup.
In the coming days, fans will eagerly await the announcement of the winner, which promises to add another layer of intrigue to the already thrilling end of the Premier League season.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.