The 2026 London Football Awards have unveiled their nominees, with Arsenal players taking centre stage in a strong showing that highlights the club's Premier League title ambitions this season. Chelsea and Fulham players have also earned recognition, showcasing the depth of talent across London's football clubs.
Arsenal's Dominance in Key Categories
Arsenal pair Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber have been nominated for the prestigious award of best men’s player at a London Premier League club for the 2025/26 campaign. This comes as the Gunners sit top of the Premier League table, six points above Manchester City, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, who is himself nominated for the best London manager prize.
Arteta will compete against Alex Neil of Millwall, Andy Woodman of Bromley, Keith Andrews of Brentford, and Lize Kop of Tottenham Hotspur Women's for the managerial honour. Arsenal's strong position this term, after falling short in recent years to rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool, has been bolstered by key contributions from players like Rice and Timber.
Broad Recognition Across London Clubs
Beyond Arsenal, the nominations reflect a diverse range of talent. Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo is in contention for the best men’s player award, alongside Fulham winger Harry Wilson and Brentford striker Igor Thiago. In the young player category, nominees include Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Estevao of Chelsea, Michael Kayode of Brentford, Josh King of Fulham, and Oliver Scarles of West Ham.
Goalkeeper nominations feature Bernd Leno of Fulham, Caoimhin Kelleher of Brentford, David Raya of Arsenal, Grant Smith of Bromley, and Lize Kop of Tottenham Hotspur Women's. This wide representation underscores the competitive spirit and quality present in London's football scene, from the Premier League to the EFL and WSL.
Event Details and Charitable Cause
The London Football Awards 2026 are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 5 March, at Exhibition White City. The event is held in aid of the Willow Foundation, a charity partner dedicated to providing special days for seriously ill young adults. David Seaman MBE, former Arsenal goalkeeper and Honorary President of the Willow Foundation, praised the nominees, stating, "We’ve got an incredible list of nominees for our 2026 awards, recognising the very best of our footballing community here in London. So many of our clubs have achieved remarkable things both on and off the pitch this season, and we’re excited to celebrate these accomplishments next month, all whilst raising vital funds for Willow."
This awards ceremony not only celebrates athletic excellence but also supports a vital charitable cause, highlighting the positive impact of football beyond the pitch.
