During the prestigious ceremony on Tuesday, the England international was named PFA Young Player of the Year following a superb 2025/26 campaign for our versatile defender.
The 21-year-old established himself as one of City’s most important players last term, figuring 53 times in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.
For O’Reilly, it’s the latest milestone in his sparkling career so far which has seen him graduate from our Academy, play 75 times for our senior side and play at the 2026 World Cup with the Three Lions.
And Kruecken says seeing O’Reilly receive the PFA Young Player of the Year Award was a source of immense pride for our youth system.
“Seeing Nico win the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award in Manchester on Tuesday was an incredibly proud moment for everyone connected to our Academy,” Kruecken explained.
“His success is testament to the hard work of the Academy staff and coaches who guided him on his journey from our Under-9s all the way towards senior football.
“Nico is an inspiration to everyone at the Academy. He is a shining example of how to approach the world of football and be successful. We are all really proud of him and want to send our best wishes to him and his family.
O’Reilly is the latest player who graduated from City’s Academy to be voted PFA Young Player of the Year after Phil Foden in 2020/21 and 2021/22, Cole Palmer in 2023/24 (with Chelsea) and Morgan Rodgers in 2024/25 (with Aston Villa).
And Kruecken says it’s testament to the work of the Club’s youth system to see players who have progressed through the Blues’ ranks among the list of recent recipients.
City’s Academy Director added: “Of course, he isn’t the first from our Academy to win the award.
“In recent years, Phil Foden, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have all received this trophy, which is amazing for us.
“Having five of the last six winners of the PFA Young Player of the Year award from our Academy is an extraordinary achievement for us.
“We really do work so hard every day to ensure our young players are given the best platform for success, so to see so many of our graduates winning such a prestigious award is very meaningful to us and we feel very proud.”
