Trent Alexander-Arnold's ambitions of winning the Ballon d'Or have been brandished 'realistic' by a former Real Madrid star. Steve McManaman, who also left Liverpool to join the Spanish giants, believes the England star has what it takes to become the best player in the world, as long as he can overcome some major hurdles standing in his way.
Alexander-Arnold's big Ballon d'Or ambition
During an interview in 2024, Alexander-Arnold revealed his desire to become the first full-back to ever win the Ballon d'Or. When asked between winning the Golden Ball or the World Cup with England, he answered: "I'd say win a Ballon d'Or.Because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it. It's only after the morning after you retire that you're able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything I got'. It doesn't matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you've got, it matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMbappe and Vinicius standing in Trent's way
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, former Liverpool and Real star McManaman claimed that Alexander-Arnold's hopes are indeed 'realistic', but he is not the only Galactico who has eyes on the Ballon d'Or.
"It could be realistic. The only thing I'd say is most Ballon d'Or winners are forwards at this moment in time," McManaman said. "He's going to need to be successful before he's even spoken about as a Ballon d'Or contender. He's made the move to Madrid, they've started the season well and he's started well. Trent wants to be a Ballon d'Or contender and to win it, but so does Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe! The most important thing is for them to be successful, we'll wait and see."
Getty Images SportReal Madrid set to snub Ballon d'Or ceremony again
Though Alexander-Arnold, Mbappe and Vinicius are all targeting Ballon d'Or glory, Real Madrid are expected to boycott the ceremony for a second year running. Los Blancos pulled out of France Football's 2024 event after learning that leading contender Vinicius had lost out to Rodri, while the 2025 award is expected to go to Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain or Lamine Yamal.
What next for Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid?
After being overlooked for the England squad this month, Alexander-Arnold was back on the bench for Madrid's 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday. The former Liverpool star, who came on in the 82nd minute of that win, will hope to get a chance from the start when Xabi Alonso's men begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at home to Marseille on Tuesday night.