Pogba says Fernandes would win Ballon d'Or at Manchester City in 2026

Paul Pogba claims Bruno Fernandes would be a top Ballon d'Or contender if he played for Manchester City.

Fernandes praised by Pogba Paul Pogba, a former Manchester United midfielder, believes Bruno Fernandes would be a serious Ballon d'Or candidate if he played for Manchester City instead. Pogba, who spent two spells at United before leaving for Juventus in 2022, calls Fernandes a 'top player' but suggests his recognition would rise with stronger teammates. Fernandes, 31, is just two assists away from matching the Premier League record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne with 20. Last weekend, he set up Matheus Cunha's goal in a victory over Chelsea, bringing his season assist total to 18. ## Ballon d'Or talk from Pogba Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Pogba argued Fernandes would be among the top three Ballon d'Or contenders at a club like Manchester City. 'Bruno Fernandes, in other big clubs, is in the top three Ballon D'Or,' he stated. Pogba added, '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 City, he's in the Ballon d'Or.' Fernandes was last nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2021, finishing joint 21st alongside Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. ## Fernandes' impact highlighted Fernandes has scored eight goals this season and has been praised by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens for elevating the team's performance. 'He drives the dressing room towards a higher level,' Lammens noted. Pogba described Fernandes as influential across the pitch, saying, 'He's everywhere on the pitch. He has a volume. He keeps running. He's smart. He can play two touches, one touch. He can shoot.' However, Pogba stressed that trophy wins are essential for recognition, remarking, 'When you don't win, we don't think about you.' ## Fernandes' Manchester United journey Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £47 million and has since made 322 appearances, scoring 106 goals. He turned down substantial offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad last summer to remain at Old Trafford. His current contract runs until 2027, with an option for an additional year. Manchester United currently sit third in the Premier League with 58 points, level with Aston Villa in fourth. ## Pogba reflects on Mainoo's future Paul Pogba compared Kobbie Mainoo's situation to his own early career at United, noting the youngster faces similar decisions about his future. Mainoo, 21, debuted for United in 2023 and earned his first England call-up a year later. After a challenging period under former manager Ruben Amorim, he sought a loan to Napoli last summer, but the move was rejected. Now back in the team under Michael Carrick, Pogba believes Mainoo can have 'a great career at Manchester United' if he maintains a strong relationship with his manager. ## Mainoo's potential and manager fit Pogba expressed his support for Mainoo, saying, 'Whatever decision he's going to take, I just want to see this kid play because it's enjoyable to see him play.' He also acknowledged the difficulty of advising Mainoo to leave given the youngster's popularity at the club. Pogba added that regardless of the choice, the focus should be on allowing Mainoo to develop and thrive in football. ## Pogba's return and cultural shift Pogba recalled the cultural differences he experienced upon returning to United in 2016 after Ferguson's retirement in 2013. He noted the club's atmosphere and environment had changed significantly under Jose Mourinho, who took charge after Louis van Gaal. 'When I left, it wasn't like that,' Pogba said. 'You came to Manchester United with the clear culture of Manchester United. Even the food, everything inside was different. I said, it's a bit weird. It's not the same club as when I left.' ## Pogba's post-ban return to football Pogba signed for Monaco from Juventus last summer following a doping ban that was reduced to 19 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He made his long-awaited comeback in November 2025 and shared his renewed perspective on football. 'I'm grateful to be back and play football again after everything that happened,' Pogba said. 'I see football totally different now. I enjoy myself. I want to enjoy.'