Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid hint with ‘first ever’ message

Robin Bairner

• 26 Oct 2024 09:45 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has outlined his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or and become the first full-back to ever claim the accolade, yet that is not necessarily positive news for his club side.

Alexander-Arnold is one of three Anfield stars who are out of contract in the summer, and along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, he could leave Merseyside on a free transfer.

Real Madrid are one of the clubs following the England defender, with Los Blancos having reportedly made him a major target for next summer.

If Carlo Ancelotti’s side already have a major trump card to play in the form of his close friend Jude Bellingham, who has thrived in the Spanish capital and is there under contract until 2029, Alexander-Arnold has presented the European champions with another card to play in their bid to lure him to the continent.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alexander-Arnold was asked what the main target in his career is. He replied: “I’d say to win the Ballon d’Or. Because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back ever to do it.

"I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to ever play football."

Real Madrid the stage Trent needs to make his dream come true

Real Madrid is the club where great players go to become elevated to superstars – to the status of Ballon d’Or winners.

If there is a club where a full-back can win such a prize, it is Real Madrid.

Across the years, Los Blancos have celebrated the award 12 times, with eight different players claiming the crown.

Only Barcelona can match this measure of success, and that is largely because Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or on seven occasions.

Current ETV

Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool

€28.1M

ETV Range

€21.1M - €35.1M

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Liverpool, meanwhile, can point to Michael Owen’s victory in 2001 as their sole triumph, despite a litany of great teams through the years. Virgil van Dijk came close in 2019 as he finished second, yet Mohamed Salah has not come close to the prize.

For a full-back to win the award for the first time at Liverpool seems unthinkable, yet at Real Madrid the impossible often becomes possible.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is smart enough to know this, just like any football fan.