Declan Rice: Gold Soccer Awards Best CM of 2026

Declan Rice is Gold Soccer Awards' Best Central Midfielder of 2026, recognised for his exceptional all-round contribution to Arsenal and England.

A powerful presence, outstanding reader of the game and increasingly influential attacking force, Rice has developed into one of the most complete midfielders in world football.

His 2025/26 season was a defining campaign. Rice was instrumental in Arsenal winning the Premier League title, contributing five goals and 11 assists across all competitions. He created 96 chances, won possession back 239 times and made 91 tackles, leading Arsenal in all three categories. His consistency, versatility and influence earned him Arsenal's Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year. At the 2026 World Cup, he continued to demonstrate his importance to England, bringing authority, energy and composure to the midfield.

The finalists

Barcelona's Pedri remains one of football's finest technicians, combining extraordinary vision and control with an ability to dictate the tempo. He also played an important role in Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph. João Neves impressed with Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League-winning campaign in 2024/25, demonstrating maturity, intelligence and relentless work rate. Both are outstanding midfielders, but Rice takes the award.

Three exceptional players, but Rice takes the crown.

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Gold Soccer Awards recognises footballing excellence independently, without influence from publicity, popularity or hype.