Premier League's Opening Weekend Stars: Five Players Who Dominated Gameweek One
FIFA's restructured Club World Cup and ongoing Lioness achievements helped satisfy our summer cravings, but most of us have been eagerly awaiting the Premier League's comeback.
The inaugural weekend of a new season never lacks fascination, with the storylines and predictions developed since the previous campaign's conclusion being put to the test for the first time.
Though Gameweek One of 2025–26 hopefully won't be recalled as the most thrilling when all is finished, we witnessed early declarations from the league's anticipated elite, along with spectacular individual performances from both familiar faces and some of the division's promising newcomers.
FotMob delivers individual player assessments for every Premier League match, and here are their top-rated performers from the inaugural weekend of the 2025–26 campaign.
5. Antoine Semenyo, James Trafford & David Raya – 8.6
Most discussion surrounding opening night centered on big-spending Liverpool and Arne Slot's new acquisitions. Bournemouth were simply an afterthought, yet it was one of the Cherries who claimed Player of the Match recognition from FotMob.
While Hugo Ekitiké impressed, Antoine Semenyo showed incredible determination at Anfield, having endured racist harassment from a Liverpool fan, which caused a first-half interruption.
Bournemouth could have easily crumbled when trailing 2–0, but, motivated by a determined Semenyo, they clawed back into contention. The dynamic winger netted both their strikes, including a powerful counter-attack finish to level the score.
His 8.6 assessment was subsequently equaled by keepers James Trafford and David Raya during the weekend, with the latter making seven stops in Arsenal's 1–0 triumph at Manchester United.
4. Dan Ballard – 8.7
The Sunderland defender etched himself into Wearside legend with an outstanding header against Coventry, which propelled the Black Cats into the Championship playoff final last term.
Their following success at Wembley arranged an opening weekend encounter with West Ham United upon their top-flight return, and Regis Le Bris's team capitalized on a poor Hammers squad that appears little changed from last season's lackluster outfit.
Ballard was outstanding at the Stadium of Light, with his solid defensive showing enhanced by his precise header that gave the home side a 2–0 second-half advantage. He concluded the match with the highest defensive actions (14) and most challenges won (10).
3. Chris Wood – 8.8
Be honest, you believed he was a flash in the pan, right?
Though Wood had been a reasonably dependable striker at elite level, few anticipated his 2024–25 explosion that produced 20 Premier League strikes.
At his present pace, the Nottingham Forest forward is tracking toward 76 league goals this campaign.
Wood capitalized on a struggling Brentford team on Sunday afternoon, instinctively converting from a corner early before rounding Caoimhin Kelleher to secure Forest's third goal, having been set up by Elliot Anderson with a brilliant first-time delivery.
The striker wasn't particularly influential otherwise, but two goals in victory typically generate an impressive rating.
2. Mohammed Kudus & Erling Haaland – 8.9
FotMob couldn't distinguish between the displays of Tottenham newcomer Mohammed Kudus and Manchester City scorer Erling Haaland, who both earned 8.9 ratings.
Kudus represents one of two notable acquisitions made by Spurs this summer, though he may soon be accompanied by additional signings, and fans couldn't have hoped for a more encouraging debut in north London.
A mesmerizing talent who's extremely difficult to tackle, Kudus worked his magic along the right wing on Saturday, providing two assists and a league-leading five scoring opportunities.
Haaland wasn't necessarily the standout performer at Molineux later that day, but FotMob simply values attacking contributions. The Scandinavian scoring sensation is eager to reclaim his Golden Boot, and he began that quest excellently by finding the net twice.
He positioned himself perfectly to convert Rico Lewis's delivery before capitalizing on Tijjani Reijnders's excellence in the buildup to his second, which was a clinical strike from the penalty area's edge.
1. Richarlison – 9.1
There were questions about whether Richarlison would remain in the league when Gameweek One arrived, but the Brazilian is still present in N17 and has enjoyed a fruitful beginning under Thomas Frank's leadership.
He's profited from Dominic Solanke's ankle problem, initially shining in Spurs' UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain. His showing in Udine was labeled "exceptional" by Frank, who predictably kept Richarlison in his starting lineup for Burnley's arrival.
Though the ball didn't always connect when Tottenham's center-backs targeted the striker's position, Richarlison delivered the decisive moments. A flowing finish gave the hosts a vital early lead, before Richy displayed his athletic prowess to score past a helpless Martin Dúbravka.
A legitimate Goal of the Season candidate in Gameweek One.