Jesse Lingard shared the pitch with Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United and he has tipped the captain to win football’s biggest individual honour.
With Bruno Fernandes just three assists away from the Premier League record in a single season, there is a lot of talk about the Manchester United captain winning the Player of the Year award.
Earlier this week, Wayne Rooney backed Fernandes to win the award, and Michael Carrick has also suggested that the Portuguese playmaker should be crowned.
But there is also a case for Fernandes to win the Ballon d’Or in 2026, and former teammate Jesse Lingard doesn’t think it is too far-fetched.
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
Jesse Lingard thinks Bruno Fernandes deserves Ballon d’Or
According to Transfermarkt, Lingard made 26 appearances alongside Fernandes, and the English playmaker saw first-hand at Carrington just how talented the Red Devils captain is.
Lingard has now signed for Corinthians, and in a new interview with BBC Sport, he explained why Fernandes should be considered for the Ballon d’Or in 2026.
When asked if Fernandes is a contender, Lingard replied: “100 percent, yeah.
“His performances at Man United this season have been extraordinary. He’s three assists off De Bruyne’s record for assists.
“So, yeah, for me, he has to be up there 100%.”
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What Bruno Fernandes would have to do to win the Ballon d’Or
Fernandes is focused on winning the Premier League or Champions League with United, but he is certainly deserving of more individual silverware too.
The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual honour that can be won in football, and Fernandes has a chance if he keeps up his current pace for the rest of 2026.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes names the ‘best moment’ he’s had at Man Utd so far
As the Ballon d’Or works on a yearly basis, Fernandes would need to have a strong end to the season, play a huge role in the World Cup this summer, and then also start the 2026/27 season strong.
His biggest competitors for the award currently are Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal.
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