Declan Rice Sets Record Straight On Ballon d’Or And Trophy Ambitions

Declan Rice has made it clear that collective success, not individual accolades, is driving him forward as Arsenal chase a historic season on multiple fronts.

‎Speaking openly about his ambitions, the England international reaffirmed that lifting trophies with the Gunners outweighs any pursuit of the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

‎A Central Figure in Arteta’s Arsenal

‎Since completing his £105m move from West Ham United in 2023, Rice has become indispensable to Mikel Arteta’s side.

‎Only Martin Zubimendi and Jurrien Timber have matched his appearance tally this season, with Rice featuring 38 times across all competitions and contributing four goals and ten assists.

‎His consistency and influence have made him one of the first names on the teamsheet for a squad still competing for a remarkable quadruple that includes leading the Premier League, an EFL Cup final showdown with Manchester City, and deep runs in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

‎Rice Responds to Ballon d’Or Talk

‎Despite being tipped among the frontrunners for major individual awards, including the PFA Player of the Year and the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Rice maintains a grounded outlook.

‎Bookmakers currently list him as the fourth favourite, behind Harry Kane, rising star Lamine Yamal, and current frontrunner Kylian Mbappe. Yet Rice insists personal honours come second to Arsenal’s collective objectives.

‎Speaking to The Sun, he said, “It’s unreal, obviously. You want to be involved in those conversations.

‎”They’re the right ones to be involved in. But also you see the recent Ballon d’Or winners, what they’ve won during their season.

‎“Hopefully we can have a successful season and I can be involved in those conversations. That would be amazing. If not, that’s not something I am setting my eye on. I really want the team to do well first.”

‎Reflecting on his rise, Rice admitted he never truly expected to go this far.

‎“I’ll be totally honest no, not at all,” he said when asked if he ever thought he’d reach the top.

‎He added, “I always believed in myself. I always knew I had the ability. What set me apart from others was that I had the heart and the desire to go with it.

‎“I was a really good listener. Even if one of my coaches told me off, I wouldn’t go home complaining to my mum and dad about it. I’d take it on the chin, see where I could improve.

‎“I didn’t know I would be going on to do what I’m doing. That’s why it’s amazing, because once you start out in football, you never know your journey.”

‎Chasing Silverware on All Fronts

‎With Arsenal preparing for next month’s EFL Cup final, Rice expressed his excitement about what lies ahead, “I’m buzzing. It’s everything we’ve been working towards.

‎“It’s the first trophy that’s up for grabs. It’s one that you can take and then after that, go on in the Premier League and have full momentum.”

‎“We’re in a really good position now that we’re in the final and now we have a chance to go and win it.”

‎“But where it’s in March, and then you still have two months left of the Prem, it’s a real momentum builder, so it’s one that we’re definitely looking to go and win.”

‎Eyes on England and the 2026 World Cup

‎Beyond club football, Rice hopes to play a major role for the England national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to be a core part of the squad.

‎But his immediate focus remains on Arsenal’s campaign, starting with another important clash when the Gunners host Chelsea on Sunday.