Arsenal star Declan Rice has opened up on what he must do for him to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Rice is considered among the contenders to win the prestigious award, especially with the Gunners' ongoing stellar season.
Declan Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal's exceptional form this season. The Englishman has scored four times and provided 11 assists in 40 outings across competitions so far. His chances of winning the Ballon d'Or or making it among the top in the list will depend on how Mikel Arteta's side performs this season, with them being favorites to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
In an interview with I Paper, Declan Rice was asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this season. The Englishman didn't consider himself a favorite, adding (via Standard UK):
"That is far, far away. There’s still so long to go in the season, need to win a few trophies, need to keep playing well. I don’t get caught up in it, just try to live in the moment. Keep playing football and see what happens."
He added:
"In your career, I don’t think you ever know what you’re going to go on to achieve. As the seasons evolve and you’re playing week in, week out, and the game gets better and better, there can end up being no limits to what you can achieve."
Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, which could be their first step in achieving a historic quadruple. The Gunners are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and at the top of the Premier League table with 67 points off 30 games. The UEFA Champions League has a long way to go with the Round of 16 set to begin this week. Arteta's side will clash against Bayer Leverkusen on March 11.
Theo Walcott claims Arsenal star Declan Rice can win the 2026 Ballon d'Or
Declan Rice - Source: Getty
Declan Rice - Source: Getty
In an interview with talkSPORT, former English footballer Theo Walcott opened up about Declan Rice's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year. He said (via Arsenal Insider):
"I always look at Ballon d’Or players. A lot of people would look at him as the forward players, but he [Rice] does so much more than anyone sees. And it’s the bits that no one sees, right? But he’s generally everywhere, his attitude. I think it’s really important the way he is off the field as well. I think that plays his role. I really do because he’s a role model to young children."
If Declan Rice wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or, he could be the first-ever Arsenal men's player to receive the honor. He will also be the first Englishman to lift the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001. However, it is too early to weigh his chances for now, with multiple other contenders in the conversation.
Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane are also enjoying stellar seasons for their respective clubs. Moreover, the 2026 World Cup will have a big impact on the eventual winner.