Trent Alexander-Arnold sets sights on historic Ballon d’Or casting doubt over Liverpool future
By Ben Southby
Published 26/10/2024 at 20:22 GMT+1
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Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has hinted that he could be ready for a new challenge after admitting he would like to become the first full-back to ever win the Ballon d'Or. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Liverpool and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer. “I just want that legacy of being probably the greatest right-back," he said.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has cast further doubt over his Liverpool future after suggesting he wants to become the first full-back to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
The England star has entered the final year of his contract at the Merseyside club, with Real Madrid - who can begin talks with the 26-year-old in January - monitoring the situation.
Alexander-Arnold has won Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles with his boyhood club and wants to become the “greatest right back ever” to play the game.
"Someone who changed the game. That's the main thing that I have,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports when asked how he would like to be remembered in football.
“I just want that legacy of being probably the greatest right-back to ever play football, to be honest.
"I know that there's been many out there but, you know, I've got to reach for the stars, and that's where I believe my ceiling can go."
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Only three defenders have ever won the Ballon d'Or, all of whom were centre-backs.
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer won the accolade twice in the 1970s before fellow German Matthias Sammer claimed it two decades later.
Italy's Fabio Cannavaro is the last defender to win it after he led his country to World Cup glory in 2006.
In the history of the Ballon d’Or, only Barcelona (12) have had more players claim the trophy while at the club than Madrid (11).
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Liverpool have only had one player win it while in their ranks, which was Michael Owen in 2001.
Alexander-Arnold hinted that securing the individual award is more of a priority for him than winning more titles with Liverpool.
"I want to be the first full-back to ever do it,” he said. “I said it in that interview with England, 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.
"I've heard potential being thrown around my name since I was six. If you reach that potential, and you know you've hit that potential and you've given it everything to maximise that potential and be the player that you think you can be, one of the best ever, then you'll be happy, doesn't matter how many trophies you win.
"Some people may call me deluded but I believe I can."
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