Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has been named in the 2025/26 PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, capping an impressive campaign at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old Nigerian centre-back was recognised by his fellow professionals for his rock-solid defensive displays, having featured in 28 matches across all competitions this season, Footballrover reports.

Emmanuel Fernandez Shines in PFA Scotland Team of the Year

Fernandez has emerged as a vital figure at the heart of the Rangers backline.

His composure and aerial dominance throughout the 2025/26 season didn’t just earn him league-wide acclaim; it also paved the way for his debut with the Nigerian national team.

In a selection heavily dominated by Motherwell and Hearts players, Fernandez stood out as a rare representative from the Glasgow giants.

He was voted into the defence by his peers alongside Hearts duo Craig Halkett and Harry Milne.

Rangers Star Reflects on 2025/26 PFA Scotland Premiership Season

The surprise package of the season, Motherwell, leads the list with five representatives: Callum Ward, Paul McGinn, Elliott Watt, Tawanda Maswanhise, and Elijah Just.

Hearts followed closely with Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga joining their defensive teammates, while Celtic’s top scorer, Benjamin Nygren, completed the XI.

Reflecting on his breakthrough and the recognition from his colleagues, Fernandez expressed his gratitude for the milestone.

“I am delighted to be included in the PFA Team of the Year and it means a lot to me. I have enjoyed my debut season with Rangers, and it has gone better than I ever dreamed it could.

I would like to thank the gaffer and his coaching staff for believing and trusting in me, my teammates for all their support, as well as our amazing fans who have backed me since I joined the club.”

With his stock rising and interest reportedly brewing from English Premier League clubs, Fernandez’s inclusion in this elite list cements his status as one of the league’s top talents.

The Full PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year 2025/26:

GK: Calum Ward (Motherwell)

DF: Paul McGinn (Motherwell)

DF: Craig Halkett (Heart of Midlothian)

DF: Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers)

DF: Harry Milne (Heart of Midlothian)

MF: Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)

MF: Elliot Watt (Motherwell)

MF: Elijah Just (Motherwell)

FW: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)

FW: Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)

FW: Claudio Braga (Heart of Midlothian)

Like this post?
We’d be delighted to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the box below!

Last Updated on April 17, 2026 5:46 pm by footballrover