Ballon d'Or Glory Awaits Rice if Arsenal Seal Premier League Crown, Says Petit

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has backed midfielder Declan Rice to capture the Ballon d'Or should the Gunners finally get their hands on the Premier League trophy this season.

The North London outfit are in the midst of a stellar campaign, sitting four points clear at the summit of the top flight while also boasting Champions League last-16 football, a spot in the League Cup final, and remaining in the FA Cup after dispatching Wigan Athletic over the weekend.

Rice's £105m arrival from West Ham in 2023 has proven transformative for Arsenal's engine room, with the England international's versatility in the centre of midfield providing Mikel Arteta with fresh tactical options. The midfielder has chipped in with four goals and seven assists across 36 outings in all competitions this term.

According to Petit, Rice stands as the frontrunner for football's most prestigious individual honour—but only if Arsenal deliver collective success. Speaking to Ignition Casino, the former Gunners stalwart explained: "Declan Rice is potentially leading the race for the Ballon d'Or, but don't forget there is a World Cup at the end of the year. I think that could be very important for him, but he and the Arsenal team definitely have to win something at the end of the season."

Petit went on to emphasise that personal accolades ring hollow without trophies: "Declan Rice has been among the best midfield players for years now, but unfortunately, he has won nothing at Arsenal. If you want to be part of the greatest, you have to win titles, definitely. You have to be one of the best players on the market, but you also have to win trophies. It doesn't mean anything if people recognize you as one of the most special players on the pitch, but you don't win anything at all."

Rice has earned consecutive PFA Team of the Year selections, and former Spurs and England frontman Gary Lineker recently tipped the Arsenal man as a genuine contender for the Premier League Player of the Season gong. In early February, Lineker acknowledged the early stage of the campaign but suggested several names could feature in the conversation.

"It's only February so it's early but if United continue to go really well and Bruno gets a few more goals and assists… I mean, who else would be in the running?" Lineker mused. "Erling Haaland will be if he starts scoring again which he will. Declan Rice and Gabriel, who is a fantastic defender. There's no one obviously at the moment but he's a bloody good footballer you know, Bruno Fernandes. He's a really good player."