The Brentford breakout star joins an elite eight-man shortlist after transforming the Bees' defense with his explosive recovery pace and a lethal, goal-producing long throw-in.
Brentford right-back Michael Kayode has been nominated for the 2025/26 Premier League Young Player of the Season award after an impressive campaign under Keith Andrews.
The Premier League confirmed an eight-player shortlist for players aged 21 or under at the start of the season, with Kayode named alongside Rayan Cherki, Matheus Fernandes, Lewis Hall, Junior Kroupi, Kobbie Mainoo, Nico O’Reilly and Alex Scott.
Kayode’s inclusion is another sign of how well Brentford’s season has come together after a summer of change. With a representative in three Premier League end of season awards.
The 21-year-old has made 35 Premier League appearances this season, with 14 wins, nine draws and 12 defeats in those matches. He has also contributed one goal, one assist and eight clean sheets, but his value to Brentford has gone beyond the basic numbers.
Kayode has become Andrews’ first-choice right-back, giving Brentford pace, power and recovery speed on one side of the defence. His role has been especially important because Brentford’s full-backs are asked to contribute at both ends: defending wide spaces, supporting transitions and giving the team another route into the final third.
His long throw-ins have also become one of Brentford’s most distinctive weapons. The Premier League credits them with leading to five goals this season, as well as leading to, or directly causing, 40 shots on goal.
Andrews’ side have always needed ways to tilt games in their favour without relying solely on long spells of possession. Kayode’s throw-ins have given them repeatable territory, awkward penalty-box situations and second-ball opportunities against teams that would otherwise be comfortable defending deeper.
The nomination also sits alongside wider recognition for Brentford, with Igor Thiago shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Season, while Andrews has been nominated for Manager of the Season. Kayode’s place on the Young Player shortlist adds another layer to that, reflecting a campaign in which Brentford have pushed well beyond many pre-season expectations.
There is strong competition for the award. Cherki has produced 16 goal involvements for Manchester City, Kroupi has scored 12 times for Bournemouth, and O’Reilly has played a major role in City’s season across multiple positions.
Kayode’s case is different. He is not there because of headline attacking numbers. He is there because he has become a dependable Premier League full-back at 21 and added a specific set-piece weapon that has shaped Brentford’s season.
Kayode arrived as a young defender still adapting to English football, but he has ended the campaign as a clear first-choice player and one of the league’s recognised young performers in his debut season. Whether or not he wins the award, his place on the shortlist is another sign of the progress he has made since moving to west London this season.