Four members of Mikel Arteta’s first team have been shortlisted for awards ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris this October.
Fresh from a stellar season in red and white, Declan Rice is one of two Arsenal players on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. Voted the club’s Player of the Season, the midfielder caught the eye in the Champions League with a pair of free-kicks that stunned Real Madrid, and produced a dominant display in the Bernabeu. He also played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. Not a bad year, all told.
Joining him is Viktor Gyokeres, recognised for his outrageous goalscoring exploits in Portugal. The Sweden international bagged 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, firing them to a second consecutive league title before making the move to north London.
Barcelona’s Yamine Lamal and Raphinha, along with PSG’s Ousmane Dembele, are among the favourites to inherit the crown from current holder Rodri. [See the full shortlist here]
There’s also a proud moment for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which honours the best male player under 21. The 18-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout 2025, becoming a regular in Arsenal’s midfield during their run to the Champions League semi-finals and earning his first England caps. He’s since penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates.
Lewis-Skelly faces stiff competition for the award, with the likes of Joao Neves (PSG), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras/Chelsea), and favourite Lamal (Barcelona) also in the mix.
Finally, David Raya has been recognised with a place on the Yashin Trophy shortlist, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world. The Spaniard made 55 appearances last season, picked up the Premier League Golden Glove for the second year running with 13 clean sheets, and played a vital role in the Gunners’ European run.
Raya is joined on the list by the likes of Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), and Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid).