England star Trent Alexander-Arnold has risked a backlash by saying winning the World Cup isn't his priority - and that he'd rather secure the Ballon d'Or award instead.
The right-back has made 33 appearances for his country over the years, having made his debut back in 2018.
Alexander-Arnold was part of the England side that made the final of the European Championships this summer.
However, they were unable to win that trophy with Spain beating them 2-1 in the final back in July.
England star Trent Alexander-Arnold has risked a backlash by saying winning the World Cup isn't his priority - and that he'd rather secure the Ballon d'Or award instead.
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Alexander-Arnold has now raised eyebrows by saying he'd rather win the Ballon d'Or than the World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports, when asked about how he wants to be viewed when he retires from football, the Liverpool defender said: "That's a main saying that I have, 'Don't play the game, change the game'.
"I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to ever play football.
"I want to reach for the stars and that's where I believe my ceiling can go."
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Alexander-Arnold then added: "I'd say win a Ballon d'Or [over winning a World Cup].
"Because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it.
"It's only after the morning after you retire that you're able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything I got'.
"It doesn't matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you've got, it matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential."
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When it comes to defenders winning the Ballon d'Or, just one has been able to do it since 2000.
That was Fabio Cannavaro, who beat Gianluigi Buffon and Thierry Henry to secure the prestigious award in 2006.
That year he helped Juventus win Serie A, though they'd later be stripped of their title after the match-fixing scandal that rocked Italian football.
And Cannavaro played a key role as Italy won the World Cup, too.
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England star Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to be remembered as a legend of the game
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When it comes to the Ballon d'Or this year, Vinicius Jr is the favourite to etch his name into the history books.
Widespread reports say the Real Madrid star has already been told he'll be given the gong at a special ceremony on Monday night.
Vinicius Jr flourished last season as Real won a LaLiga and Champions League double.
And he's continued his excellent form this term, with a midweek hat-trick in Real's stirring 5-2 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund particularly impressive.
England star Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool for Real Madrid at the end of the season
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Vinicius Jr and Alexander-Arnold could even soon be team-mates.
The Liverpool star's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and talk of a potential mvoe to Spain has started to gather momentum.
