O'Reilly named Young Player of the Season

Nico O'Reilly has been voted the 2025/26 Premier League Young Player of the Season.

The versatile 21-year has been a revelation for Manchester City this season, playing in multiple roles throughout their title-chasing campaign.

See: Every Young Player of the Season

“After my first appearances in senior football last season, I knew this year I could have the opportunity to play more and help the team as much as possible if I worked hard,” O'Reilly said after winning the award.

“To get so many minutes and earn the trust of the manager and my team-mates has been the greatest achievement in my career so far.

“I’m excited to finish the season strong tomorrow and then head to my first [FIFA] World Cup before joining back up with City and working hard again next season.”

O'Reilly's path to the first team

A boyhood fan of City, O'Reilly progressed through the club's age groups after signing with the academy aged eight.

He captained Man City's Under-18s to the Premier League title in that particular category in 2022/23 and, after impressing in the elite development squad, O'Reilly made his breakthrough into the senior side last season.

O'Reilly's progress has been little short of sensational, making 34 appearances and having eight goal involvements (five goals, three assists) while playing a part in nine clean sheets.

Watch: The best of O'Reilly this season

By combining his strength, ball-playing ability and tireless energy, O'Reilly has emerged as one of the division's most complete all-round players, and is equally effective both defending and attacking.

Following a Player of the Match winning display against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in which O'Reilly scored twice, Guardiola spoke in glowing terms about his young star.

"He’s played full-back, played holding midfielder when Rodri was not there, now he’s in his position [central midfield],” Guardiola said.

"I know the pace he has. What a player. He has made an incredible step up and he has had a lot of minutes, but he deserves it."

Watch: All five of O'Reilly's goals this season

O'Reilly, who netted two goals in the EFL Cup final to seal a 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium and started City's FA Cup final win against Chelsea, was handed his senior England debut against Serbia last November and was recently named Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year.

It has truly been a remarkable season for O'Reilly, who topped an eight-strong shortlist - including City team-mate Rayan Cherki - of players aged 21 or under at the start of season after votes from supporters were combined with those of a panel of experts.

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