The Premier League has officially announced the nominees for its December Player and Manager of the Month awards, rounding off a dramatic end to the 2025 calendar year.
So far this season, no player or coach has managed to win their respective awards twice, but that could change on the players’ side this month. On the managerial front, however, December is guaranteed to crown a fifth different winner.
December 2025 Premier League Player of the Month nominees
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
- Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
- Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Leeds United’s revival in December owes a lot to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The striker found the net six times in five league games, helping Leeds climb out of the relegation zone. Victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, combined with draws against Liverpool, Brentford and Sunderland, highlighted a gritty and productive month.
A seriously stacked list of nominees 😳
Get voting for your December @EASPORTSFC Player of the Month 🎉
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 8, 2026
Manchester City dominate the shortlist with three nominees. Rayan Cherki was a creative force, producing four assists and a goal as City stormed to five wins. Phil Foden delivered at the other end, scoring four goals and adding an assist to cap off a strong run of form.
Erling Haaland, who picked up the award back in September, is eyeing a second win after another ruthless month in front of goal. The Norwegian recorded five goals and three assists, underlining his status as one of the league’s most feared forwards.
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitiké kept pace with Haaland, also scoring five goals. His strikes proved decisive against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, while he grabbed a brace in a high-scoring draw with Leeds.
Aston Villa are also well represented. Morgan Rogers ended December with four goals, while Ollie Watkins hit five during Villa’s impressive winning streak, which stretched to 11 matches before coming to an end against Arsenal.
Fulham winger Harry Wilson enjoyed a standout month as well. He chipped in with two important goals and four assists, playing a key role in pushing the Cottagers into the conversation for European qualification.
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December 2025 Premier League Manager of the Month nominees
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
- Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
- Daniel Farke (Leeds United)
- Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Arsenal may be missing from the player shortlist, but Mikel Arteta remains in contention for managerial honours. Despite dealing with a defensive injury crisis, he guided the Gunners to five wins from six matches, strengthening their grip at the top of the table.
Four managers who dominated December 💪
Make your pick for @BarclaysFooty Manager of the Month ⬇️
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 8, 2026
Arteta’s December campaign featured two clashes with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. While honours were shared overall, Villa recorded a notable win against Arsenal and also defeated Chelsea and Manchester United, keeping themselves firmly in the title race.
Down at the other end of the table, Daniel Farke deserves recognition for Leeds United’s turnaround. The Yorkshire side went unbeaten throughout December, navigating tough fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool. A tactical reshuffle proved effective, helping Leeds pull clear of immediate danger.
Pep Guardiola rounds off the shortlist after Manchester City closed out 2025 in perfect fashion, winning all five of their league games. With three City players nominated for Player of the Month, the Spaniard’s inclusion comes as little surprise.
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The winners will be announced soon, but December’s nominations already paint a clear picture of a month packed with standout performances, tactical masterclasses and shifting momentum across the Premier League.