Nico O'Reilly crowned PFA Young Player of the Year after breakthrough Man City season

Nico O’Reilly has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year following a standout debut season at Manchester City, with the 21-year-old earning the honour from a vote of his fellow top-flight professionals. The midfielder made 51 appearances across all competitions, contributing nine goals in what proved to be a transformative campaign.

O’Reilly’s performances were impressive enough to earn a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup during the summer, where the Three Lions claimed the bronze medal. His rapid rise from fringe player to international contributor underlines the scale of his breakthrough.

City teammate Rayan Cherki was also among the nominees but was narrowly beaten to the award by O’Reilly. The rest of the shortlist featured Arsenal’s Max Dowman, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha — a strong field that reflects the depth of young talent in the Premier League this season.

O’Reilly becomes one of the more prominent winners of the award in recent years, having established himself not just as a promising prospect but as a genuine first-team regular at one of England’s biggest clubs.