Assessing the Ballon d’Or Campaign: Tracking Key Performances and Milestones

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Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Backlash After England snub, Ballon d’Or Dreams Questioned

published: August 29, 2025

London, United Kingdom – The recent announcement of the England national team squad for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has ignited a swift backlash against Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Right-back was noticeably absent from Manager Thomas tuchel’s list, prompting strong reactions from supporters, particularly those associated with his former club, Liverpool. this progress arrives swiftly following his transfer to Real Madrid earlier this summer.

Liverpool Fans Voice Disappointment and Mockery

Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool was met with mixed emotions, with some fans expressing discontent over the circumstances surrounding his exit. He departed Anfield after his contract expired, allowing him to join Real Madrid for a relatively small transfer fee. The Right-back was reportedly booed by sections of the Liverpool support during the latter stages of the 2024-25 season. News of his exclusion from the England squad amplified the existing sentiment, leading to a wave of critical comments on social media platforms.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their views. One user questioned the viability of Alexander-Arnold’s stated ambition to become the first full-back to win the ballon d’Or. Another simply celebrated his omission, while others mocked the perceived failure of his move to Real Madrid.

Ballon d’Or Ambitions and Current Form

In a 2024 interview, Alexander-Arnold openly declared his intention to contend for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Though, he did not even earn a nomination for the 30-man shortlist this year, with Liverpool teammates Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah being recognized rather. Currently, Alexander-Arnold is finding limited playing time at Real Madrid, where he competes with captain Dani Carvajal for the starting right-back position.

England Manager Thomas Tuchel opted for Reece James, Djed Spence, and Tino Livramento as his right-back selections, citing current form as a key factor in his decision-making process. This decision underscores the competitive nature of the England squad and the importance of consistent performance at the highest level.

Salah Still in the Running for Top Honor

Despite the setbacks for Alexander-Arnold, the spotlight remains on another Liverpool star: Mohamed Salah. Journalist James Pearce of The athletic has tipped Salah as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or this year, recognizing his pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph. Salah’s stellar performance – including 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists – has solidified his position as one of the world’s elite forwards.

here’s a swift comparison of key contenders for the Ballon d’Or,based on their 2024-25 season performance:

Player	Club	Goals	Assists	Titles
Mohamed Salah	Liverpool	29	18	Premier League
Trent Alexander-Arnold	Liverpool/Real Madrid	5	10	–
Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	8	3	Premier League

Did You Know? The Ballon d’Or award has been presented annually since 1956,recognizing the best male football player in the world.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on player form in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, as this will heavily influence Ballon d’Or voting.

The Importance of National Team Selection

A place in the national team is a critically important indicator of a player’s standing in the footballing world. Consistent selection demonstrates trust from the manager and provides a platform to showcase talent on an international stage. Conversely,exclusion can severely impact a player’s confidence and market value.

The Ballon d’Or,while often skewed toward players on winning teams,also demands individual brilliance. A strong showing with one’s nation can significantly bolster a player’s chances of winning the coveted award.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold

• Why was Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the England squad? England Manager Thomas Tuchel cited current form and competition for places as the primary reasons for his exclusion.
• What are Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Ballon d’Or chances? His chances are currently considered low, having not been nominated for the 2025 shortlist and facing challenges securing consistent playing time at Real Madrid.
• How did Liverpool fans react to Alexander-Arnold’s departure? Many were critical of his exit, viewing it as disloyal, and some booed him during his final games.
• Who are the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’or? mohamed Salah is considered a leading contender,alongside other top performers like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé.
• What is the role of a Right-back in modern football? Modern right-backs are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, providing width in attack and tracking back to defend.

What do you think? Will Trent Alexander-Arnold regain his place in the England squad? And do you agree with James Pearce’s assessment of Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow football fans!

How might a player’s performance in a major international tournament (like the World Cup or Euros) disproportionately influence their Ballon d’Or chances compared to club performance?

Understanding the Ballon d’Or Criteria

The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, isn’t simply about scoring goals. Assessing a player’s Ballon d’Or campaign requires a deep dive into a multifaceted evaluation process. As its inception in 1956, the criteria have evolved, but consistently center around individual and collective achievements. Currently, France Football, the organizers, utilize a points-based system steadfast by a global jury of football journalists.Key factors influencing voting include:

Individual Performance: Goals, assists, dribbling success, defensive contributions (for defenders), and overall impact on matches.

Collective Performance: Success with their club and national team – winning major trophies like the Champions League, World Cup, or domestic leagues significantly boosts a player’s chances.

Class & Fair Play: A player’s sportsmanship and overall conduct are considered.

Player Career: The overall career trajectory and consistency of a player are also taken into account.

Key Performance indicators (KPIs) for Ballon d’Or Contenders

Tracking specific KPIs throughout a season is crucial for evaluating a Ballon d’Or hopeful. These aren’t just raw statistics; context matters. A goal in a Champions League final carries far more weight than one in a routine league match.

Here’s a breakdown of essential metrics:

Goal Contribution: Total goals + assists. This is a fundamental metric, but needs to be analyzed per 90 minutes played.

Chance Creation: Key passes, through balls, and opportunities created for teammates. Demonstrates playmaking ability.

Defensive Actions (for relevant positions): Tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks.Vital for defenders and defensive midfielders.

Passing Accuracy & Range: Prosperous pass completion rate, long pass accuracy, and ability to dictate tempo.

Dribbling Success Rate: Percentage of successful dribbles attempted. Highlights individual skill and ability to beat defenders.

Impact in Big Games: Performance in crucial matches – Champions League knockout stages, World Cup, major finals.

Milestones & Tournament Impact: The Weight of Major Championships

Winning major tournaments – the FIFA World Cup,UEFA european Championship,Copa América,and the Champions League – dramatically increases a player’s ballon d’Or prospects. Historically, World Cup winners have a significant advantage.

2022 Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi’s victory was largely attributed to leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His individual brilliance throughout the tournament was undeniable.

Tournament MVP Awards: Receiving the “Golden Ball” (best player) award at a major tournament is a strong indicator of performance and influence.

Knockout Stage Performance: Consistently delivering in high-pressure knockout matches is paramount.Players who fade in crucial moments are unlikely to contend.

Positional Considerations & The Evolving Landscape

The Ballon d’Or historically favored attacking players, but ther’s been a growing recognition of the importance of other positions.

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (2019) and Thibaut courtois (2022) demonstrate that exceptional goalkeeping can be recognized. Clean sheets, penalty saves, and overall shot-stopping ability are key.

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk’s strong showing in 2019 highlighted the potential for defenders to challenge for the award. Dominating aerial duels, making crucial tackles, and organizing the defense are vital.

Midfielders: While less common, midfielders like Luka Modrić (2018) have proven that playmaking, work rate, and tactical intelligence can be rewarded.

The Rise of Full-Backs: Modern full-backs who contribute significantly to both attack and defense (like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Alphonso Davies) are increasingly influential and could become future contenders.

Analyzing Recent Campaigns: Case Studies

Let’s examine recent Ballon d’Or campaigns to illustrate the key factors at play:

Erling Haaland (2023): Haaland’s record-breaking goalscoring season with Manchester City, including a Champions League triumph, made him a strong contender. However, Norway’s lack of participation in the World Cup ultimately hindered his chances.

Kylian Mbappé (2023): Mbappé’s exceptional performance at the World Cup, including a hat-trick in the final, positioned him as a frontrunner. His consistent goalscoring for PSG also contributed to his campaign.

Kevin De Bruyne (Ongoing 2024/2025): De Bruyne’s consistent playmaking and leadership for Manchester City, coupled with a strong showing for Belgium in Euro