Petit: Rice set for Ballon d'Or lead – but World Cup still a factor in 2026

Emmanuel Petit believes that by the end of the season, Arsenal are not only in contention for the Premier League title, but the club could also produce a Ballon d’Or winner. He thinks Declan Rice is poised to lead the race for the prestigious award: the midfielder has long been among the best in world football, yet regrettably, he is still chasing his first major trophy since joining Arsenal. To cement his status as a football legend, lifting a trophy is a must – and his performances at the World Cup this year will also be crucial for his chances.

Arsenal are bidding for their first league title since 2004, and they currently hold a four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City with 12 Premier League games remaining. Having finished as runners-up in the league for three consecutive seasons, the Gunners now have a golden opportunity to end their long wait for a Premier League crown.

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in their last league outing, but they will be looking to return to winning ways when they face bottom-placed Wolves on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side are still competing on four fronts this season, and after the trip to Wolves, they will gear up for the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.

Petit is backing Arsenal to claim the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, and he says a league triumph could also see one of their players land the sport’s biggest individual honour. The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the world’s best player over the previous 12 months, and no Arsenal player has ever won the trophy – but Petit insists Rice is already the early front-runner for this year’s award.

Rice has been in outstanding form for Arsenal in both the Premier League and the Champions League, and he will be hoping to continue his stellar displays and shine on the big stage at the World Cup this summer, ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in September.

“Declan Rice is in a good position to lead the Ballon d’Or race right now, but we must not forget there’s a World Cup at the end of the year,” Petit said in an interview.

“I think his performances at the World Cup will be absolutely crucial for him, and he and Arsenal have to win a trophy by the end of this season.

“For years, Declan Rice has been one of the top midfielders in world football, but unfortunately, he hasn’t won a trophy since moving to Arsenal. There’s no doubt that to go down as a legend of the game, you have to win silverware.

“You have to be one of the best players in the world, and you have to win trophies to go with that status. It means nothing if people recognise you as one of the best on the pitch but you never win anything.”

Arsenal came closest to winning the Ballon d’Or back in 2003, when Thierry Henry lost out to Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved for the award.

The 27-year-old Rice has established himself as the beating heart of Arsenal’s side since joining the club from West Ham United for a British record £105 million in 2023.

Not only has he been a standout performer for the Gunners, earning consecutive selections in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, but he has also helped England reach the final of the European Championship twice.

Earlier this month, Gary Lineker named Rice as one of the favourites for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

“I was talking to some colleagues the other day about the Premier League Player of the Season award, and we discussed a few potential front-runners,” Lineker said.

“It’s only February, so it’s still early days, but if Manchester United keep up their excellent form and Bruno scores more goals and provides more assists… I mean, who can compete with him?

“Erling Haaland will also be a favourite once he finds his goalscoring touch again – and he definitely will. Then there’s Declan Rice, and Gabriel, who has been an exceptional defender.

“At the moment, no single player is in a commanding lead, but there’s no doubting Bruno Fernandes’ quality. He’s a fantastic player, a top-class talent.”