Pep Guardiola has delivered a stunning verdict that has sent shockwaves across world football, openly backing one Manchester United player to win the Ballon d’Or this season—and suggesting rivals may not even get close if his current form continues.
Speaking after a recent fixture, the Manchester City boss—rarely known for praising United players—made an eye-catching admission that immediately ignited debate among fans and pundits alike.
“If he continues what he’s doing, I don’t think anyone will get close to him in the Ballon d’Or race,” Guardiola said.
Coming from a manager who has coached multiple Ballon d’Or winners and oversees one of the most dominant teams in modern football, the statement carries enormous weight.
The United Player Guardiola Is Referring To
Sources close to the situation indicate Guardiola was referring to Manchester United’s standout attacking talisman, whose performances this season have elevated him into genuine world-class territory.
The United star has been producing:
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Match-winning goals in big games
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Consistent elite-level performances
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Leadership under pressure
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Decisive moments against top opposition
More importantly, he has been the difference-maker—the player United rely on when margins are tight and expectations are highest.
Guardiola is believed to admire not just the player’s output, but his decision-making, mentality, and ability to influence games without dominating possession, something Pep values deeply.
Why Guardiola’s Praise Matters
Guardiola is famously selective with praise—especially when it comes to Manchester United. For him to publicly endorse a United player for football’s biggest individual prize is a rare and telling moment.
Insiders suggest Pep sees this player as someone who:
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Decides games at the highest level
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Performs consistently, not in flashes
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Thrives under pressure rather than shrinking
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Impacts both domestic and European matches
In Guardiola’s view, these are the exact qualities Ballon d’Or voters look for when separating great players from truly elite ones.
Ballon d’Or Credentials Growing by the Week
The Manchester United star in question has been central to nearly everything positive the club has achieved this season. When United struggle, he leads. When the game is tight, he delivers. When the spotlight is brightest, he steps forward.
Statistically, he is already among Europe’s elite—but Guardiola’s comment suggests it goes far beyond numbers. Influence, consistency, and big-game presence are what truly set him apart.
If United continue competing at the top end of the table and make deep runs in cup competitions, the player’s Ballon d’Or case will only grow stronger.
United Camp Boosted by Guardiola’s Words
Inside Old Trafford, Guardiola’s endorsement is being viewed as a major morale boost. Players and staff reportedly see it as proof that United’s best players are once again being respected at the very top level of the game.
There is also a belief that such recognition can further elevate the player’s confidence, pushing him to even greater heights in the second half of the season.
Rival Fans React With Frustration
Unsurprisingly, Guardiola’s comments have not gone down well with rival supporters. Many have questioned whether a United player should be considered ahead of stars from Champions League-winning sides.
However, others have pointed out that Ballon d’Or history is full of winners who stood out even when their teams were not flawless—so long as the individual impact was undeniable.
And according to Guardiola, that impact is already there.
What Needs to Happen Next
While Guardiola’s backing is powerful, the Ballon d’Or race is still long. To truly separate himself, the United star will need:
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Continued elite performances
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Strong showings in decisive fixtures
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Team success in major competitions
If those boxes are ticked, Guardiola’s prediction may prove prophetic.
Final Word
When Pep Guardiola speaks, football listens.
For him to claim that a Manchester United player could leave everyone else behind in the Ballon d’Or race is more than praise—it is a warning to the rest of Europe.
If this player keeps delivering at the same level, the impossible may suddenly look inevitable.
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