Full Breakdown
Paul Pogba Advocates for Bruno Fernandes as a Ballon d'Or Contender
4/22/2026, 10:22:12 PM
Pogba's Bold Assertion on Fernandes' Potential
Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United midfielder now playing for AS Monaco, has made a significant claim regarding his former teammate Bruno Fernandes. During an appearance on the "Rio Ferdinand Presents" podcast, Pogba suggested that Fernandes would be a consistent contender for the Ballon d'Or if he played for Manchester City instead of Manchester United. He emphasized that the lack of major trophies at United has hindered Fernandes' recognition on the global stage.
Fernandes has been a standout performer since joining United in 2020, accumulating 139 goal involvements in 225 appearances. Despite his impressive statistics, which include 18 assists this season, he has only secured an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford. Pogba argued that individual accolades in football are often tied to team success, stating, "When you don’t win, we don’t think about you. It’s like that, this is football."
Comparison to Other Elite Midfielders
Pogba drew parallels between Fernandes and other renowned midfielders such as Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric, and Mesut Ozil, asserting that Fernandes' abilities place him among the best. He remarked, "He can do everything... He’s everywhere on the pitch. He has a volume. He keeps running. He’s smart." Pogba's comments highlight the disparity between Fernandes' individual contributions and the collective achievements of Manchester United, which have not matched those of their rivals.
Criticism of Current Team Dynamics
Pogba also addressed the criticism that Fernandes faces, suggesting that it stems from the broader struggles of Manchester United. He noted that football fans often seek a scapegoat during tough times, and Fernandes has been a target despite his contributions. "They need to find somebody [to criticize], he's at United," Pogba stated, reinforcing the notion that Fernandes deserves more appreciation for his performances.
Official Statements & Responses
In his remarks, Pogba expressed admiration for Fernandes, stating, "For me, you put him in City, he’s in the Ballon d'Or three." He believes that if Fernandes were part of a more successful team, his talents would be more widely recognized. Pogba's insights reflect a shared sentiment among football analysts that individual brilliance can be overshadowed by team failures.
What's Next for Fernandes?
As Manchester United continues to compete for a top-four finish in the Premier League, Fernandes will aim to enhance his legacy at the club. With the current season nearing its conclusion, the pressure is on for both the player and the team to secure more silverware, which could elevate Fernandes' standing in the eyes of critics and award voters alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For me, you put him in City, he's in the Ballon d'Or three.” — Paul Pogba, Former Manchester United Midfielder
- “With the stats this season, the way he plays and everything, but when you don’t win, we don’t think about you. It’s like that, this is football.” — Paul Pogba
- “He is everywhere on the pitch.” — Paul Pogba
Pogba's comments have reignited discussions about Fernandes' potential and the impact of team success on individual accolades in football.
