The Premier League has ruled on Bruno Fernandes being stripped of the assist record

Bruno Fernandes has officially been confirmed by the Premier League to retain the record of 21 assists in a season, following the organizers’ rejection of the controversy surrounding Patrick Dorgu’s goal against Brighton.

On the final matchday of the 2025/26 Premier League season, the Manchester United captain was credited with his 21st assist of the campaign when Patrick Dorgu headed home from his corner kick against Brighton. This achievement allowed Bruno to surpass two legends, Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, to claim the sole record for the most assists in a single Premier League season.

After the match, Bruno Fernandes was awarded the Premier League’s “Golden Playmaker” prize for the season’s top assist provider. The Portuguese midfielder did not hide his pride, saying: “This is a very special moment. I never thought I would come close to this milestone until I actually had the chance to reach it.”

However, Dorgu’s goal quickly sparked controversy. Some argued that the strike should have been counted as an own goal by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, as Dorgu’s header hit the crossbar before bouncing off the Brighton goalkeeper and going in.

Nevertheless, a Premier League representative confirmed that the Goals Accreditation Panel had thoroughly reviewed the situation and upheld the decision to award the goal to Patrick Dorgu. This means Bruno Fernandes still retains his historic 21st assist.

A statement from the Premier League read: “Originally, Opta determined this was a goal by Patrick Dorgu, and the Goals Accreditation Panel later did not change that decision.”

Bruno Fernandes’ record received many congratulations, including from Thierry Henry, who previously held the mark of 20 assists for Arsenal in the 2002/03 season. The former French star sent a humorous message: “Send my regards to him. I really admire Bruno Fernandes.”

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne had a different perspective on the assist race. The Belgian star once argued that he should have had 22 assists in the 2019/20 season instead of the official tally of 20.

The Manchester City player had expressed frustration after the Premier League refused to count one of his assists in a 3-0 win over Arsenal, when his pass to Raheem Sterling was deemed to have slightly touched the foot of defender Calum Chambers.

De Bruyne once shared: “In my mind, I have 22 assists. The Premier League has taken two away from me, especially in the match against Arsenal. But in the end, whatever they decide, you have to accept it.”

The Belgian star even taunted the organizers, noting that the very controversial clip appeared in the video celebrating his 100th assist milestone in the Premier League.