If Bruno gets assist award at World Cup, he should win Ballon d’Or

Who else?

And here's why...

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At Man United, the Portuguese magnifico has done phenomenal things since joining in 2020. The best post-Fergie era signing is not now a matter of opinion, but a matter of fact. Totalling an amount of £68million from Sporting CP in January 2020, the Red Devils have got their value for money and more.

In now 230 appearances for the Red Devils, Bruno has become an undeniable club legend, but also an undeniable Premier League legend too. With 71 goals and 72 assists to his name, he has dragged United out of a mediocre era, back to the Champions League, back to competing as the best of the rest behind the title-charging pack of Arsenal and Man City.

The Gunners and the Citizens have gone clear with the elite managers of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, who were always vying for title glory campaign after campaign. But as said, what about the rest? Any side could have grabbed 3rd this campaign, but courtesy of the stewardship of skipper Bruno, United grabbed that place, setting a brilliant foundation for a title charge next season in the meantime.

He's done more to single-handedly drag his team through than any of the other Ballon d'Or contenders in Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Declan Rice and Co.

One can only imagine what Bruno's impact would be in a team with stronger players surrounding him, but Man Utd's trophyless campaign should not count for much here.

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United haven't achieved glory on the continental stage, or domestically, but they are back amongst the best. They are respectable again, they are competitive again. And when you dive into the statistics side of things, all roads lead to Bruno's impact. Let's take a look at his campaign.

A record-breaking playmaker, Bruno is used to putting it on a plate for his United teammates. Previously, the assist record of 20 was held by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. These are incomparable top-flight kings with records held for years on end. Enter Bruno in 2025/2026.

On the final day at Brighton after curling a pinpoint cross straight to the head of teammate Patrick Dorgu, Bruno made serial top-flight history. 21 assists in one season only, surpassing De Bruyne and Henry on a shared total of 20. That's history; that's something we never may see again.

So what if he wins the Playmaker Award at the World Cup too? The likelihood of him then picking up the Ballon d'Or is higher than is being touted. Bookies have it at 50/1, which feels far too long.

We're looking at a seriously excellent individual that has spearheaded his team to success. United are in transition mode and they have Bruno to thank for Champions League qualification, to compete on the global stage once again.

As for Portugal, they have the potential capacity to go all the way in the tournament, and who would be behind that success? Bruno, naturally.

Portugal start their campaign on Wednesday 17 June v Cape Verde, and already all eyes will be on Bruno to assist the superstars around him. With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix to assist, we could be about to witness greatness.

We've already outlined here why we think Portugal are being overlooked by the bookies, with their form, the best midfield at the World Cup, and a favourable run to the final.

Sit back and enjoy one of football's greatest maestros do the business on the world stage. If he sweeps up the top playmaker here, the Ballon d'Or should be calling, for sometimes football isn't just about scoring the goals, but the selflessness to create them too.