- Nico O’Reilly superb this season
- Defender has played 33 Premier League games
- Recognised with an award
Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has received a Premier League award after enjoying an incredible season at the Etihad Stadium.
The 21-year-old has played more than 50 times in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.
O’Reilly scored twice as City won the Carabao Cup in March, beating Premier League title rivals Arsenal 2-0 in the final at Wembley.
Now, he has been recognised for his contributions, and has been awarded the Premier League’s Academy Graduate of the Year.
Nico O’Reilly wins Premier League Academy Graduate award
On Tuesday, the Premier League Youth Development Conference and Academy Awards Dinner took place at Wembley.
O’Reilly was announced as the winner via the Man City website, with his fantastic performances across the season earning plenty of praise.
Nico O’Reilly has been awarded the @premierleague Academy Graduate of the Year for 2025/26, for his outstanding on-pitch impact this season 🏆
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 12, 2026
Read more 🔗 https://t.co/Q0G6vk5BXk pic.twitter.com/yWHbc8717O
Young O’Reilly has broken into Pep Guardiola’s starting side and become a mainstay for the Sky Blues, and is one of the most important players at the club.
His strength, ball-playing and energy have all shone throughout the season, with his efforts impressing on both sides of the ball on the left.
O’Reilly has become crucial to Man City
With 33 Premier League appearances this campaign, O’Reilly has five goals and three assists in the league.
He has featured in 12 of City’s 13-game unbeaten run since January. He has contributed to 15 clean sheets, as well as scoring a brace against Newcastle.
O’Reilly has already been rewarded with a full England debut, in has become a memorable first full season of senior football.
City’s academy continues to lead the way
Once again, City’s academy graduates have shown why the Etihad campus is perhaps the best place in the country to develop as a young footballer.
O’Reilly is the third former City academy star to win the award. He follows in the footsteps of both Cole Palmer and Liam Delap.
The young fullback is already impressing. If he continues to develop at this rate, he may soon be one of the best defenders in the world.
