Monaco midfielder, Paul Pogba, has said Bruno Fernandes would be a Ballon d’Or winner if he played for a dominant side like Manchester City.
Pogba made the statement on April 22 while speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, where he praised Fernandes’ quality but suggested the midfielder’s global recognition would be significantly higher in a more successful team.
“Bruno Fernandes, in other big clubs, is in the top three Ballon d’Or,” Pogba said.
He added that Fernandes’ performances would translate into greater individual accolades if he operated within a more dominant system.
“You put him in [Manchester] City, he’s in the Ballon d’Or,” he stated.
Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers this season, recording 18 Premier League assists and closing in on the single-season assist record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
He also provided a crucial assist in United’s recent victory over Chelsea, underlining a campaign defined by creativity, goals, and leadership.
His performances have earned praise within the squad, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens describing Fernandes as “an example for us” in raising standards.
Pogba, however, emphasised that individual honours are often linked to collective success.
“When you don’t win, we don’t think about you,” he said.
Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting CP in 2020 for £47 million, has made over 300 appearances and scored more than 100 goals for the club. Despite interest from Saudi Pro League sides in recent transfer windows, he has remained at Old Trafford, where he is under contract until 2027.
Pogba’s remarks have reignited debate over the influence of team success on major individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or.
