Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has his sights set on a groundbreaking achievement in football: becoming the first full-back to win the Ballon d’Or, Soccernet.football reports.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 26-year-old outlined his ambition to be remembered as the “greatest right-back to have played football” and explained why he prioritizes individual recognition over a World Cup title with England.
“I believe I can,” Alexander-Arnold shared. “I want to be the first full-back to ever do it. It’s only 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.”
Historically, no full-back has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956, with Roberto Carlos coming closest in 2002 when he finished second to Brazilian teammate Ronaldo after their World Cup victory. England’s Lucy Bronze, also a full-back, placed second in the women’s category in 2019.
This year, Spanish full-backs Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) and Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) are nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
The award ceremony is scheduled for Monday, but Alexander-Arnold, who remains under speculation for a move to Real Madrid as his Liverpool contract nears expiry, has a larger vision.
Reflecting on his legacy, he added, “A legend of football, someone who changed the game. That is the main thing that I have – ‘don’t play the game; change the game.’ I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to have played football. I have got to reach for the stars and that’s where I believe my ceiling can go.”
With Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup titles under his belt and more than 300 appearances for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has already made his mark.
However, he sees his journey as far from over and aims to redefine the boundaries of his position.