Following a recent move by Real Madrid, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold may be reconsidering the possibility of transferring to the Spanish giants next summer. The Liverpool right-back, known for his ambition, recently revealed in an interview with Sky Sports that he would prefer to win the Ballon d’Or over prestigious team trophies like the Champions League or World Cup. The unexpected choice sparked reactions, especially from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who found Alexander-Arnold’s preference “strange.”
During the broadcast of Arsenal vs. Liverpool, Carragher weighed in on Alexander-Arnold’s comments, pointing out the challenges of a right-back achieving such an accolade. “My first thought when I read that is you’re not winning the Ballon d’Or as a right-back for Liverpool,” he remarked, noting the trend that players from elite clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona typically claim the Ballon d’Or. For Carragher, this raises questions about Alexander-Arnold’s future and his current career trajectory.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans are closely watching the situation. Although there are rumors that Liverpool is already scouting potential successors, the club and its supporters value Alexander-Arnold’s loyalty and hope he remains. However, Real Madrid’s recent response to the Ballon d’Or could significantly affect Alexander-Arnold’s aspirations, especially if he’s set on an individual honor as prestigious as the Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid’s stance on the Ballon d’Or has taken a drastic turn, primarily after recent events surrounding this year’s award ceremony. The Spanish club initially planned to send a delegation to the ceremony in Paris, partly to support their player Vini Jr., who was seen as a potential contender. However, after learning that Vini Jr. wouldn’t win, Real Madrid made the surprising decision to boycott the ceremony altogether—a move that marks a significant protest by the club against the awards. According to Spanish publication *Marca*, which often reflects Real Madrid’s perspective, the club’s leadership is furious and now considers the Ballon d’Or to be “irrelevant.” This is one of the strongest criticisms the club has ever directed at the prestigious awards. It’s also not the first time Real Madrid has displayed dissatisfaction with the Ballon d’Or; star player Cristiano Ronaldo notably refused to attend the event in 2018 when he didn’t win, in another sign of discontent from within the club.
With Real Madrid’s intensified criticism and apparent disregard for the Ballon d’Or, Alexander-Arnold might have to rethink whether joining the club aligns with his personal goals. If he aspires to win the award, Real Madrid’s stance could mean that a move there might not support his ambition. The club’s recent rejection of the Ballon d’Or could pose a unique obstacle for Alexander-Arnold, making it a more complex choice than he might have anticipated as he contemplates his future.
