Sheffield — Fans all over Hillsborough are proper singing the praises of Barry Bannan, the Scottish midfielder who’s become the very heart of Sheffield Wednesday. Dubbed “the beating heart of Wednesday” by supporters, Bannan has shown that rare mix of Modrić-like vision, Messi-like spark, and absolute loyalty to the Owls, also as he extended his contract to fight for the badge.

Since joining Wednesday back in 2015, Bannan’s become more than just a midfielder — he’s a club legend, a captain, and a firm fan favourite. Over nearly a decade at Hillsborough, the 33-year-old’s clocked up over 400 appearances, bagged more than 30 goals, and pulled off countless match-winning moments.

Coaches and teammates rave about his technique, graft, and calm head on the pitch. “Barry controls the game like few can,” says one gaffer. “He’s our engine, our spark, and our captain proper and true.”

Fans on social media have taken it even further, calling him the “Owls’ Messi and Modrić rolled into one”, and jokingly dubbing him “Barry Ballon d’Or”. From belting long-range goals to pinging perfect passes and set-pieces, Bannan keeps serving up magic that makes a trip to Hillsborough unforgettable.

Even as the club battles it out in the Championship, Bannan remains the heart and soul of Wednesday, a player who lives and breathes passion, loyalty, and class. To the fans, he’s more than a player — he’s a true legend, a proper symbol of what it means to bleed blue and white.