Can Declan Rice become Ballon d’Or favorite after winning the Champions League with Arsenal? Here’s what fans think

Declan Rice has emerged as one of the most consistent and dominant midfielders in world football during the 2025-26 season. With Arsenal clinching the Premier League title and reaching the UEFA Champions League final, the question on every football fan’s mind is: Can Declan Rice win the Ballon d’Or?

Many fans believe that lifting both the Premier League and Champions League trophies could propel Rice to the top of the Ballon d’Or race. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Declan Rice’s Stellar 2025-26 Season

Rice has been the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side. Key stats from the season include:

• Premier League: 4 goals, 5-8 assists in 36+ appearances, exceptional passing accuracy (87%+), and leadership in duels and interceptions.
• Champions League: Multiple standout performances, including crucial contributions in knockout stages.
• Overall impact: High ball recoveries, tackles won, and game-controlling presence. He’s missed very few matches and delivered in big moments.

Current Ballon d’Or Standings and Odds

As of late May 2026, Rice is consistently ranked among the top contenders:

• Often listed as 3rd favorite behind Ousmane Dembélé and Harry Kane.
• Betting markets and prediction platforms show him with strong implied probability (around 11-15%).
• A strong showing in the Champions League final against PSG could see him surge even higher.

Winning the Champions League — especially if he stars in the final — combined with Arsenal’s Premier League triumph would make a compelling case. Trophies are a massive factor in Ballon d’Or voting.

What Fans Are Saying

Fans have been actively debating Declan Rice’s Ballon d’Or credentials, particularly if Arsenal were to complete a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double. Many supporters believe such an achievement would place Rice among the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual award, citing his evolution into one of Europe’s most influential midfielders and his leadership role at Arsenal.

Several fans have pointed to Rice’s consistency, defensive intelligence, and ability to impact matches at both ends of the pitch, describing him as the driving force behind Arsenal’s success. They argue that a season featuring major trophies would significantly strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some observers note that the award has traditionally favored attacking players who produce standout goal and assist numbers, meaning Rice may need defining performances or memorable moments on the biggest stages to overcome the bias often associated with defensive midfielders.