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And that’s a wrap on another Premier League campaign. The 2025-26 season delivered drama at both ends of the table, with the title race and relegation battle going down to the final moments. Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and West Ham fans were kept on edge until the last whistle. In the end, Arsenal finally lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years, while West Ham suffered the heartbreak of relegation on the final day.

As the awards season arrives, it’s time to look back at the standout performers who made their mark. The English top-flight remains a relentless nine-month test of consistency, and only the elite rise to the challenge week after week.

GOAL’s writers and editors have carefully selected the Premier League Team of the Season for 2025-26, honouring those who truly excelled. Predictably, the lineup features many Arsenal and Manchester City stars, mixed with a few shrewd signings and record breakers. Here’s the full XI...

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)

Where would Arsenal be without David Raya? The league’s top goalkeeper was instrumental in ending the club’s 22-year wait for the title, producing a series of match-winning saves throughout the campaign. His standout moments include fingertip stops in the 1-0 win over Manchester United in August, a flying save against Brighton in December, crucial interventions versus Chelsea in March, and that unforgettable save to deny Mateus Fernandes in the decisive win over West Ham.

Raya secured his third consecutive Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets in 38 matches and a 70% save rate. That tally places him among the top 10 goalkeepers for most clean sheets in a single Premier League season.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

It may not have been a golden year for right-backs, but Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber elevated himself into the conversation among the world’s best in his position. Despite injury setbacks, his attacking output added a new dimension to Arsenal’s play, with eight goal involvements in 30 appearances. His contributions included a brace and an assist against Leeds early on, assists in both North London derbies, and a winning goal versus Chelsea in March. Timber proved to be a true big-game performer for Mikel Arteta.

Centre-back: William Saliba (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s dominance continues with William Saliba anchoring the right side of defence. Calm, composed, and elegant, the Frenchman has drawn inevitable comparisons to Virgil van Dijk. Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes was crucial, as he ranked in the 80th percentile for aerial duels won and excelled in ball distribution. His only goal of the season came in the crucial win over Chelsea in March, underlining his impact in key moments.

Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

Saliba’s defensive partner Gabriel was equally vital. The Brazilian was a powerhouse at both ends, contributing seven goals and assists from centre-back — outscoring many forwards. He was a force at set-pieces and a defensive rock, missing only a small portion of the season through injury. In the 26 games he started alongside Saliba, Arsenal kept 15 clean sheets — an astonishing rate of one every 1.7 matches, according to Opta. His influence was critical to the Premier League’s best defence.

Left-back: Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)

Nico O’Reilly’s transformation has been one of the stories of the season. Originally a midfielder, the 21-year-old excelled as England’s new left-back under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. His performances as an inverted full-back redefined City’s shape, contributing eight combined goals and assists. His attacking runs and timing in the box earned him the Young Player of the Season award and a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Right Midfield: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth/Manchester City)

Antoine Semenyo’s season spanned two clubs, yet he still produced 21 combined goals and assists. After an impressive first half with Bournemouth, Manchester City snapped him up for £62.5 million ($87.5m), beating Liverpool and Manchester United to his signature. He hit the ground running, scoring five goals in his first eight league games for City. His explosive pace and adaptability have made him an instant fit in Guardiola’s system.

Central Midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice was the driving force behind Arsenal’s title charge from midfield. Though his name doesn’t fill the scoresheet, his relentless work rate and tactical intelligence made him indispensable. Rice’s positioning, timing in tackles, and ability to break up play consistently gave Arsenal control in midfield. His box-to-box energy powered the Gunners to their long-awaited league triumph.

Central Midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes earns his spot after claiming the Premier League’s Player of the Season award. Despite being a polarising figure, his numbers speak for themselves. Fernandes broke the long-standing record shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne with 21 assists — the most ever in a Premier League season. He was pivotal in Manchester United’s return to the Champions League, especially after Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim coach in January, when Fernandes delivered 14 assists in just 18 matches. The record-breaking moment came on the final day against Brighton.

Left Midfield: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)

Rayan Cherki proved to be one of the smartest signings of the season. The former Lyon star silenced critics of his attitude with a stellar debut campaign at Manchester City. With 12 assists — second only to Fernandes — Cherki dazzled with his creativity, flair, and unpredictability. Though his goal tally can improve, his skill and entertainment value make him one of the league’s most exciting young talents at 22.

Forward: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Even in what some might call a “quiet” season, Erling Haaland once again topped the Premier League scoring charts, reclaiming the Golden Boot from Mohamed Salah. The Norwegian striker netted 27 goals and added eight assists, improving his link-up play around the box. Though he endured a few rare goal droughts, Haaland’s consistency over four seasons in England continues to set new standards for strikers.

Forward: Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Igor Thiago’s breakout year earned him a call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup. The Brentford striker scored 22 league goals, pushing Haaland close in the Golden Boot race. Returning from a serious knee injury, Thiago became the focal point of Brentford’s attack, even leading them on an unexpected European push. His hat-trick in the 4-2 victory over Everton in January was one of the highlights of the season. Keeping him beyond the summer will be a major challenge for the Bees.