Brighton’s Carlos Baleba eyeing Ballon d’Or after encouragement from Premier League stars
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has revealed that three Premier League stars have told him he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or, fueling his ambition to claim the prestigious individual award in the future.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, the Cameroonian expressed his desire to one day lift the coveted trophy, following the success of Manchester City’s Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after playing a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and City’s Premier League triumph.
“Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, and Joelinton, they have all told me I have got it in me [to win the Ballon d’Or],” Baleba shared.
“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri [won it in 2024]. His success with Spain and Manchester City has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”
Although Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, is not considered a frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or due to his performances and his club’s current standing, the young midfielder remains hopeful that one day he can achieve the sport’s highest individual honor.
