As the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL) season reaches its climax, let’s look at which players became breakout stars. Here’s my list of 5 players who wowed fans in 2025-26.
1. Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace
The Palace forward goes from strength to strength, earning his first call-up to the France national team in October 2025.
Mateta is bang in his prime. An exciting, modern centre forward who causes havoc for opposition defenders, Mateta hit 14 goals and claimed two assists in 37 EPL outings in the 2024-25 season.
Oliver Glasner’s clever 3-4-3 setup enables him to thrive alongside a pair of inside forwards. Lethal on the counter, Mateta has matured into one of the league’s top strikers.
2. Max Dowman – Arsenal
The Arsenal academy starlet delighted the Emirates Stadium crowd in his debut against Leeds. Weaving patterns and taking on the Leeds rearguard, giving Leeds left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson a torrid time. He even won a last-minute penalty, drawing a foul from Anton Stach.
This hugely encouraging debut hinted at Dowman’s future in the Arsenal attack. Then, his 14th March goal sealed Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton.
At just 16 years of age, Arsenal need to protect the youngster from burnout and media scrutiny. But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is truly excited by Dowman’s potential to light up Arsenal’s future.
3. Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth & Man City
Ghanaian forward Semenyo impressed for Andoin Iraola’s Bournemouth last season. A bargain £10.5 million signing from Bristol City, he notched 11 goals and 5 assists in 37 EPL games from a left-sided forward position, helping the South coast side to 9th in the league standings.
Semenyo hit the ground running this season, netting a brace in the Cherries’ 4-2 opening day defeat to Liverpool. This sparkling form earned a big-money move to Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
The forward is now set to star for Ghana in the 2026 World Cup tournament.
4. Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
Since joining The Blues for a £100 million plus add-ons in August 2023, the 24-year-old Ecuadorian has caught the eye as an excellent midfield battler. Strong in the tackle yet progressive in transition phases of play, Caicedo has cemented his place in Enzo Maresca’s lineup, helping Chelsea to second position in the EPL standings.
Caicedo is even capable of goal scoring, pitching in with a strike in Chelsea’s 22nd August 5-1 win over West Ham. The Blues need him to stay fit to maintain their top-four chances.
5. Bryan Mbeumo
The Cameroon man has been a standout signing since arriving from Brentford. A modern forward, Mbeumo is capable of playing anywhere across the frontline. He flourishes playing off United’s right flank, yet has also led the line at times.
Mbeumo has impressed with a double-figure goal tally, chipping in with vital strikes in victories against Man City and Arsenal.
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is no doubt aware of Mbeumo’s importance, as the club strives for an automatic Champions League qualification place.