BRIGHTON — Bruno Fernandes has officially etched his name into the history books, shattering the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season. The Manchester United captain reached the milestone during Sunday’s season finale against Brighton & Hove Albion, delivering his 21st assist of the 2025/26 campaign.
The record-breaking moment arrived in the 33rd minute when Fernandes curled a pinpoint corner kick onto the head of Patrick Dorgu, who buried the ball to open the scoring.
A New Premier League Benchmark
Entering the final matchday tied with Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20) at 20 assists, Fernandes faced immense pressure to surpass the legends. Reflecting on the feat, the playmaker expressed deep admiration for the players he has now overtaken.
“It’s something that I think about because we are talking about Kevin and Thierry, they were two of the best players that the Premier League has seen in a long, long time,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “Having the chance to be up there with their names... is very good, and I'm very proud of that.”
Most Premier League Assists in a Single Season
| Player | Season | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 2025–26 | 21 |
| Thierry Henry | 2002–03 | 20 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 2019–20 | 20 |
| Mesut Özil | 2015–16 | 19 |
| Cesc Fàbregas | 2014–15 | 18 |
| Frank Lampard | 2004–05 | 18 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 2016–17 | 18 |
| Mohamed Salah | 2024–25 | 18 |
Scaling European Heights
Beyond the Premier League, Fernandes’ 21 assists place him in elite company on the continental stage. He now sits alongside Thomas Müller and Lionel Messi both of whom recorded 21 assists during the 2019–20 season at the pinnacle of Europe’s major leagues.
This historic performance caps a near-perfect individual year for the Portuguese midfielder, who has already been honored as the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year. Despite ongoing speculation regarding his future at Old Trafford, Fernandes has remained steadfast in his commitment to leading Manchester United to major silverware, including the Premier League and Champions League titles.
