Trent Alexander-Arnold believes he can win the Ballon d’Or and says he wants to be remembered as the “greatest right-back to have played football”.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Alexander-Arnold admitted he would choose winning the coveted world player of the year award over lifting a trophy with England.
No full-back has ever won the Ballon d’Or, which was first presented in 1956.
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos, who played at left-back, came second in 2002, while Lioness Lucy Bronze came runner-up to USA’s Megan Rapinoe in the women’s award in 2019.
For the 2024 men’s award, which takes place on Monday, two full-backs – Dani Carvajal and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo – have been nominated, but, for many, Vinicius Junior remains the favourite to pick up the award.
But Alexander-Arnold said in the future he can be the first full-back to win the trophy.
“I believe I can win a Ballon d’Or” 🏆
Trent Alexander-Arnold is aiming to be one of the best ever! 🏅 pic.twitter.com/ZRJ9g01hs5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 26, 2024
“I believe I can,” said the 26-year-old Liverpool player. “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.”
When asked what he wants his legacy to be after he retires, Alexander-Arnold said: “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.”
Next up: We head to North London 👊 #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/8RE2dmnw6d
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 25, 2024
Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool will be looking to continue their fine start to life under new manager Arne Slot when they travel to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Reds currently sit top of the table and, following their 1-0 win against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, Slot’s side became the first Liverpool team to win their opening six away games of a season and the first to triumph in 11 of their first 12 matches.
However, Alexander-Arnold, who has made more than 300 appearances for his boyhood club, will be out of contract at Anfield come the end of the season and is yet to sign an extension.
And reports indicate Real Madrid are keen to acquire the talents of the full-back, who has also been utilised as a central midfielder for club and country.
It has been suggested that Los Blancos are willing to offer Alexander-Arnold between £14m-15m per year on a contract that will run until the 2029-30 season.
