Manchester City's official website has launched another pleasant tradition: the January Player of the Month is determined by the votes of fans scattered around the world. This isn't just a "who do you like?" poll - the club is making the selection meaningful by revealing each candidate's actual contribution throughout the month.
The first month of 2026 was very tight for City: four tournaments, nine matches, different pressures, different scenarios. Three players stood out in this table: Abduqodir Husanov, Bernardo Silva, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. One of them - restored the defense, one - dominated the game, another - "locked" the goal. Now the fans will decide.
Abdukodir Khusanov
A year after moving from "Lance" to "Manchester City," the Uzbek defender spent one of the brightest months of his career at "Ethihad." When Guardiola's defense line was significantly "shaken" due to injuries to key players, it was Husanov who was put on the field. And it exceeded all expectations.
The 21-year-old, who came off the bench in the second half of the 1-1 draw against Chelsea, became a regular starter in central defense for the following matches. His individual movements, combining speed, physical strength, and technical preparedness, earned the trust of both coaches and fans.
The beginning and end of January were especially memorable for Husanov. At the beginning of the month, in a match against "Brighton," he, paired with debutant Max Alleyn in central defense, showed a convincing game against an opponent with an extremely dangerous offensive. And at the end of the month, in the last round of the UEFA Champions League against Galatasaray, the blocking of attacks by the Turks, especially Viktor Osimhen, helped greatly. The 2:0 victory at Etixad led the team to the 1/16 finals - and here Husanov's contribution was very noticeable.
Bernardo Silva
The Portuguese midfielder, who wore the captain's armband this season, has once again become one of City's main drivers. Technique, diligence, and a thirst for victory - this is Bernoulli's classic "set." In a tight calendar, he was distinguished not only by his consistent but also by his inspiring performances.
He once again set an example as a true team player who prioritizes the team's interests. One of the brightest nights in January was the away game at St James' Park, where Bernardo played a major role in securing a very important lead in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle 2-0.
Another important aspect: Bernardo also showed creativity. First against Newcastle in the League Cup, then in a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton in the Championship, he provided two impressive assists to new striker Antoine Semeno. In short, Bernardo remained a player who "connects the game" this month too.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Italian goalkeeper once again proved in January why he is considered one of the strongest goalkeepers in the world. Calm, balanced, and reliable Donnarumma provided additional stability in defense - meaning the defenders' mistake also dropped to a "recoverable" level.
In a 1-1 draw against Brighton at Etixad at the beginning of the month, he kept the team in the game with a few saving saves. Despite a 0-2 derby defeat against Manchester United, Donnarumma's performance wasn't bad - in some situations, he was the one who prevented the score from worsening.
January ended in the best way: two consecutive "dry" matches. In the Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Champions League against Galatasaray, Donnarumma kept his goal intact. Both matches ended 2-0 in favor of City - and the goalkeeper's contribution here is very significant.
Now it's about the fans
Three candidates - three different forces: one "guard" in the defense, one "conductor" in the center, one "shield" in the goal. Which one is more worthy of the name of the January hero? The final decision is in the voting.
You can vote for the Uzbek footballer through this link.
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