Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard has been named the League One PFA Players' Player of the Year for 2026. The award, voted for by fellow professionals, was confirmed by the Professional Footballers' Association this week, as reported on the PFA's official website.
Ballard's recognition comes as the O's navigate the early stages of the new campaign, currently sitting 17th in League One with three points from three games. Their record shows one win and two losses, with a goal difference of minus one after scoring four and conceding five. The team is four points behind early leaders Blackpool.
Who won the other EFL awards?
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough was named the Championship PFA Players' Player of the Year. The full teams of the year across the three divisions were also revealed, highlighting the best performers as chosen by their peers. In League One, Ballard was joined in the select XI by Lincoln City goalkeeper George Wickens and defenders Sonny Bradley and Tendayi Darikwa of Lincoln, Perry Ng of Cardiff City, and Carl Piergianni of Stevenage. The midfield featured Oliver Norwood of Stockport County, Lewis Wing of Reading, and Jack Moylan of Lincoln City. The forward line alongside Ballard included Kyle Wootton of Stockport, Amario Cozier-Duberry of Bolton Wanderers, and Aaron Drinan of Swindon Town.
Which Coventry City players were honoured?
Coventry City had a strong showing in the Championship team of the year, with three players selected. Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and defender Milan van Ewijk were included, alongside midfielder Matt Grimes. Their teammate, forward Haji Wright, also made the cut. The full Championship selection featured defenders Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton, Bobby Thomas of Coventry, and Tristan Crama of Millwall. Midfielders included award-winner Hayden Hackney and Jack Rudoni of Coventry, while the forwards were Žan Vipotnik of Swansea City, Wright, and Femi Azeez of Millwall.
What about League Two and the wider context?
The League Two team of the year recognised Mathew Hudson of Oldham Athletic in goal. Defenders included Omar Sowunmi of Bromley, Kelland Watts and James Gibbons of Cambridge United, and Jack Sanders of MK Dons. The midfield was Alex Gilbey of MK Dons, Mitch Pinnock of Bromley, and Sammy Braybrooke of Chesterfield. The forward line featured Aaron Drinan of Swindon Town, Michael Cheek of Bromley, and Callum Paterson of MK Dons. These awards provide a snapshot of the standout individual performances across the EFL last season, as judged by the players themselves.
Where does this leave Leyton Orient now?
For Ballard and Leyton Orient, the focus now shifts to improving their current league position. The immediate challenge is an away trip to face Luton Town on September 5th. Luton currently sit 13th in the table. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures page and view the latest standings. The PFA stated simply, "Dom Ballard has been named the League One PFA Players' Player of the Year for 2026."
