Monaco midfielder, Paul Pogba, has stated that Man Unitedโs midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, would be a Ballon dโOr winner if he played for a dominant side like Manchester City.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast on Wednesday, the former Manchester United midfielder praised Fernandesโ quality but suggested the midfielderโs reputation would be even higher in a team with more consistent success.
โBruno Fernandes, in other big clubs, is in the top three Ballon dโOr,โ Pogba said.
He went further, arguing that Fernandesโ level of performance would translate into individual global recognition if he were playing in a more dominant system:
โYou put him in [Manchester] City, heโs in the Ballon dโOr,โ he added.
Fernandes has been one of Unitedโs standout performers this season, registering 18 Premier League assists and closing in on the all-time single-season assist record held jointly by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
He also contributed a key assist in Unitedโs recent win over Chelsea, continuing a campaign in which he has combined goals, creativity, and leadership.
His performances have drawn praise from teammates, including goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who said Fernandes has been โan example for usโ in raising standards within the squad.
Pogba, however, stressed that individual awards are often tied to team success:
โWhen you donโt win, we donโt think about you.โ
Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting CP in 2020 for ยฃ47 million, has made over 300 appearances for the club and scored more than 100 goals. Despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in recent transfer windows, he chose to remain at Old Trafford, where he remains a central figure under contract until 2027.
While United continue to compete near the top of the Premier League table, Pogbaโs comments have reignited debate over how much team success influences recognition in major individual awards like the Ballon dโOr.