The football world gathered in France on Sunday night for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, often seen as a prestigious but sometimes controversial celebration of top talent. This annual award, despite its history, has yet to be won by an Arsenal player—even the legendary Thierry Henry never secured it.
Following Lionel Messi’s eighth win last year, this time the honor went to Manchester City’s Rodri. The midfielder’s exceptional 12 months included lifting the Premier League title and helping Spain clinch their fourth European Championship, making him a well-deserved recipient.
Amid the excitement around Rodri’s victory, there were 29 other players recognized in the Ballon d’Or rankings, including four Arsenal players and one former Gunner, whom Mikel Arteta transferred early in his Arsenal tenure.
Starting in 26th place, Arsenal’s Declan Rice made the list after a stellar season following his £105 million move to the Emirates last summer. The English midfielder has become an indispensable part of Arteta’s team, contributing eight goals and twelve assists across 63 appearances. He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year and secured runner-up for Arsenal’s Player of the Season—a solid debut season by any measure.
William Saliba, another Arsenal standout, finished 24th in the rankings. The defender, known for his consistency, played a crucial role in the league’s best defensive lineup, recording 50 appearances and proving himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable players.
From the recent ranking put up by the football body, we can Bukayo Saka ranked at the 21st place, arguably Arsenal’s most influential player. The 42-capped England international enjoyed his best season yet, tallying 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances. His remarkable contribution meant he averaged a goal involvement every 1.38 games, which many fans and analysts felt deserved a higher rank. Saka has continued his exceptional form into the current season, already notching four goals and seven assists in just 11 matches.
Arsenal’s highest-ranked player this year was captain Martin Odegaard, who claimed a spot above his teammates after delivering 22 combined goals and assists, earning him Arsenal’s Player of the Season for 2023/24. Odegaard has become a vital leader on the pitch, guiding Arsenal’s young squad through an impressive campaign.
One former Arsenal player ranked even higher: Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Signed by Arsenal in 2010, Martínez finally had his breakthrough in 2020, stepping up after Bernd Leno’s injury and helping Arsenal secure an FA Cup victory.
However, with Arteta preferring Leno, Martínez transferred to Aston Villa for £20 million later that year. Since then, he has cemented his place among the world’s elite keepers, winning two Copa América titles and playing a major role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph. This year, Martínez was recognized as the world’s top goalkeeper for the second consecutive year, further solidifying his status in global football.
