Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is one of the best players in world football right now, but Paul Pogba has one reason he isn’t in Ballon d’Or conversations.
This season has seen Bruno Fernandes operating at a level higher than his own lofty standards, with 27 goal contributions for Manchester United in 32 games.
Half of these appearances were as a defensive midfielder, making it even more breathtaking how dominant he has been.
Fernandes is the best in the Premier League, according to Owen Hargreaves, and this season he is the clear frontrunner to become player of the year.
A reward his individual performances deserve, but Paul Pogba believes another award is a step too far.
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
Bruno Fernandes’ lack of Ballon d’Or recognition doesn’t surprise Paul Pogba
Fernandes has been elite for United over the past six years, rarely getting his flowers as one of the best outside of the club.
But this season, he’s been undeniable, and Fernandes could become Premier League player of the year if the decision is made on individual impact and performance.
If he does, Fernandes could be a successful World Cup away from really challenging the Ballon d’Or rankings. But speaking on the Rio Meets YouTube show, Pogba explains why he could struggle to win this.
“If you put Bruno in Man City, he’s in the Ballon D’Or top three.
“The stats, the way he plays, and everything. But if you don’t win [trophies], they do not think about you.”
Fernandes individually stacks up against anyone in football right now, but Pogba is correct in that United’s underperformances have held back the Portuguese magnifico.
What does Bruno Fernandes have to do in 2026 to challenge for the Ballon d’Or?
Win the World Cup? Win the Premier League POTY? Break the assist record?
Fernandes hasn’t earned Ballon d’Or nomination since 2021
Despite his brilliance in recent years, including his 36-goal contribution campaign last year as a midfielder, Fernandes hasn’t been nominated for the Ballon d’Or in years.
Fernandes was last nominated for a Ballon d’Or in 2021, with his best seasons in red going unrecognised.
On this occasion, Fernandes only managed to finish joint 21st with Lautaro Martinez on six points, which is a respectable position.
However, he is capable of more.
If nominated this season, Fernandes will surely rank higher given how good he is for Portugal, and they are expected to go far in the competition.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
