Eight counties share the fifteen spots on the 2026 PwC Football All-Star team, led by All-Ireland champions Mayo with six awards. Announced on October 29, 2026, the selection features eleven first-time winners and sets a record with 18-year-old Kobe McDonald becoming the youngest football All-Star in history.
The selection committee broke familiar molds this season, producing an extensive breakdown across eight different counties that has not been matched since 2010. While Mayo take top spot with six players adding statues to the All-Ireland medals they secured in July, beaten finalists Kerry claim three awards, and six other counties share the remaining positions equally.
Mayo Leads the Field While Eight Counties Share the Remaining Spots
The champions’ dominant haul includes defensive rocks Sam Callinan and Enda Hession, alongside dynamic young forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald. Footballer of the Year contenders Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue complete the six-player line-up that caps off a historic season where Andy Moran’s squad claimed the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 75 years.
Kerry’s three selections are anchored by Jason Foley, who secures an award at full-back, making him a three-time winner. Goalkeeper Shane Murphy steps into the team after operating as understudy to the injured Shane Ryan for much of the campaign. Talisman David Clifford claims his seventh All-Star award, bringing him level with Kerry great Mikey Sheehy in the all-time list behind Colm Cooper and Pat Spillane.
History-Making First-Time Winners Across the Provinces
Eleven players are celebrating their first All-Star inclusion, marking the highest number of debutants since 2022. Among them, teenager Kobe McDonald enters the record books as the youngest ever player to receive a Football All-Star, surpassing the previous milestone held by Derry’s Dermot McNicholl from 1984.
Congratulations to Dara McDonnell who this morning becomes Louth’s 4th ever All-Star. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/iO6wBCbkDl
Westmeath captain Ronan Wallace earns recognition at wing-back after steering his county to a first Leinster senior football championship title in 22 years. In the half-back line, Louth’s Dara McDonnell takes the centre-back position following a stellar run that saw the Wee County reach the All-Ireland semi-finals. Armagh’s versatile Jarly Óg Burns rounds out the defensive selections, bringing a first-ever All-Star back to the Silverbridge club.
Midfield and Forward Lineups Reflect a Competitive Championship
Tyrone’s Conn Kilpatrick anchors the midfield alongside Mayo’s Carney, earning acknowledgment for his work rate in the middle third throughout the summer. In the forward lines, Monaghan’s Stephen O’Hanlon is rewarded for a campaign where he combined man-marking duties. Dublin’s Niall Scully secures his second All-Star — six years after his first in 2020 — for his role in Dublin’s return to the semi-finals.
An incredible football season that was crammed full of memorable twists and turns has a legacy in this All-Star football team, one that reflects just how competitive our game is now.
Jarlath Burns, GAA President
Player of the Year Shortlists and Upcoming Award Ceremonies
The nominees for the senior and young player accolades have been drawn directly from the newly announced XV. David Clifford, Ryan O’Donoghue, and Jack Carney vie for the senior Footballer of the Year title, while Darragh Beirne, Kobe McDonald, and Dara McDonnell contend for the Young Footballer of the Year honor.
The formal presentation takes place at the RDS in Dublin during a black-tie banquet, broadcast live on RTÉ One, where the hurling All-Star team and overall player awards will also be revealed.