According to The Sun, Ballard left Arsenal as a teenager. Today, he has become the "warrior" most prized by Sunderland's hierarchy. The versatile 26-year-old centre-back may not wear the captain's armband at Wearside, but he doesn't need one. It's hard to find a more natural leader.

When captain Xhaka eventually steps down, Sunderland already has the ideal candidate to take over the team and continue pushing toward higher levels.

In the 2025 Championship Play-off semi-final, Ballard scored against Coventry City in extra time, helping the team secure a place in the final at Wembley, where they defeated Sheffield United to lift the trophy.

The Northern Ireland international has been equally commanding in the Premier League. He scored in the opening-day victory against West Ham, setting the tone for this fairy-tale season.

Since then, despite the club investing heavily in players like Malik Fofana and Meïté, Ballard remains Sunderland's most invaluable player and the heart of the team as it prepares for its first European campaign in 53 years.

Sport Director Kristjaan Speakman recently extended Ballard's contract through 2029 and told The Sun: "Ballard is not an ordinary player. He's played many Championship matches, and when you see him now, he's a top player. He's a fighter.

"Players like this are the most important in a team because they represent the club's heritage.

"We've talked about balancing leadership with young potential, but balancing new signings with heritage is equally important.

"We're proud to help players like this develop into Premier League and European football players."

When Ballard joined the Stadium of Light, Sunderland finally escaped League One. He transferred from Arsenal for around £1 million and has proven himself one of the most cost-effective signings in the club's history.

This tough centre-back's impact extends beyond the pitch. His presence is felt throughout Sunderland's Academy of Light.

Nineteen-year-old academy product Chris Rigg has witnessed Sunderland's remarkable rise, with Ballard alongside him every step of the way.

Rigg told The Sun: "He's a great guy. He looks like a big, tough man, but he's actually very gentle.

"He's a fantastic player. He's come up through the lower leagues and proven himself. He's a crucial member of our team, both on and off the pitch."

When Ballard first arrived at the Academy of Light, he was a different person from today.

He had just been told for the second time that he would be released—the first at age 14 when he was a midfielder. Yet at 16, despite a back injury, he still accepted an invitation and took a three-hour train journey from London to represent Arsenal's academy against his current club.

He knew he had to perform to impress the scouts in the stands, but the pain eventually forced him to leave early.

Ballard departed convinced his chance to reach the top had passed. But his resilience and talent didn't go unnoticed. He eventually got another opportunity at Arsenal, signing a scholarship contract and then turning professional.

After loan spells at Swindon, Blackpool, and Millwall, Arsenal sold Ballard permanently to Sunderland. He never played a competitive first-team match at Emirates Stadium.

Leaving a club he had represented for 15 years was difficult. But the transfer proved to be the crucial step in his development. Last November, he finally experienced his true breakthrough moment.

After scoring against reigning champions Arsenal, he celebrated by flexing his muscles defiantly in front of the Sunderland supporters.

It's another iconic image etched in red-and-white memories.

Ballard's legendary status in the North is already assured. But other Black Cats legends believe he will eventually inherit Xhaka's captaincy.

This centre-back is expected to continue writing his story at Sunderland today in what could be the club's most important week in over half a century, facing his former club.

Striker Kevin Phillips told The Sun via BestBettingSites: "Xhaka is better known, but Ballard has been performing brilliantly for Sunderland.

"He reminds me of Jody Craddock, who joined Sunderland on the same day as me—a no-nonsense centre-back.

"The fans love him because he likes to fight, loves to tackle, and can chip in with goals too.

"Ballard has a bright future ahead. If he can match Xhaka's achievements in his career, that would be fantastic. He'll develop into a very good player.

"He always shows up in big matches, and I wouldn't be surprised if he does so again this weekend."

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