Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba claims Bruno Fernandes would be a “top three” Ballon d’Or contender if he were playing in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City system.
Fernandes currently leads the Premier League in assists for the 2025/26 season with 19, trailing the all-time single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne by just one.
Pogba’s comments highlight the perceived gap in recognition between the two Manchester clubs, as City currently chase a historic second domestic Treble under Guardiola.
Bruno Fernandes could be a Ballon d’Or winner if he played for Manchester City, according to former Manchester United man Paul Pogba.
The Portuguese international has been a lone bright spot in a turbulent few years at Old Trafford, though the 2025/26 campaign has seen a marked improvement, specifically under the interim management of Michael Carrick.
Fernandes has already racked up 19 assists and eight goals in 30 Premier League appearances this term, spearheading a United side that has all but confirmed its return to UEFA Champions League football.
Despite his individual heroics, Bruno Fernandes has often been overlooked in global award conversations – a fact Paul Pogba attributes entirely to the team’s lack of silverware compared to their cross-town neighbours.
In contrast, Manchester City enter the final weeks of the season with further silverware in their sights, having already secured the Carabao Cup and booked a record fourth-consecutive FA Cup Final date against Chelsea, whilst challenging Arsenal for the Premier League.
“You put him in City”: Pogba’s Ballon d’Or claim
Now, speaking to the Rio Ferdinand Presents, Paul Pogba has insisted that had Bruno Fernandes opted to join Manchester City and performed to his standards, then the Portugal international could be a Ballon d’Or winner.
“Bruno Fernandes, in other big clubs, is in the top three Ballon D’or,” insisted Pogba.
“Do you think Bruno, if he’s in the other team, he’s not in the top three, a Ballon d’Or player?
“You put him in [Manchester] City, he’s in the Ballon d’Or.”
Manchester City’s midfield rebuild
Manchester City are preparing for a summer midfield refresh with Hugo Viana and the club already confirming Bernardo Silva‘s departure upon the expiry of his contract this summer, whilst now looking to supplement the likes of Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki.
For Bruno Fernandes, the immediate goal remains rewriting the history books at Old Trafford, and with four games remaining in the ongoing Premier League season, he needs just two more assists to break the all-time record of 20 in a single campaign.
Whether or not that achievement – paired with a Champions League return – is enough to propel him into the Ballon d’Or conversation remains to be seen, but Pogba’s praise perhaps serves as a reminder of the lens through which players are viewed when wearing Sky Blue.