2 weeks Ago By Vishal Bhawani
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently advised Trent Alexander-Arnold to rethink his Ballon d'Or ambitions, suggesting a potential move to Real Madrid may be the only path to achieving such a goal. Carragher’s remarks come as speculation mounts over the Liverpool star’s future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and no extension in sight. MORE: All the latest Liverpool news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings Ballon d'Or winners "don’t play right-back for Liverpool" Following Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Carragher spoke openly about Alexander-Arnold’s dreams of winning the Ballon d'Or.
"If that’s his ultimate ambition...
you’re not winning the Ballon d'Or as a right-back for Liverpool," Carragher said on Sky Sports , pointing out that past Ballon d’Or winners often come from clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona. "He is a unique full-back, and he’s amazing, but that makes me think he’s going to Real Madrid." Carragher also predicted Liverpool fans would be frustrated if Alexander-Arnold chose to leave, especially since Liverpool are currently competitive with Europe’s top clubs.
Reflecting on the transfers of Liverpool stars Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard — who were linked but stayed—Carragher noted that in those cases, Liverpool wasn’t the powerhouse it is today. "Fans might ask, 'If Liverpool is competing for the Premier League and Champions League, what more do you want?'" Though Alexander-Arnold missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist, which many expect will go to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, he could have a shot in 2025 if Liverpool have a strong season. In the meantime, the longer his contract remains unsigned, the more likely January negotiations with Real Madrid and other clubs may be in his future.
Carragher concluded that while he believes Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk will stay, Alexander-Arnold’s ambition might just lead him to pursue his Ballon d'Or dream elsewhere..
