Daniel Ballard was born on September 22, 1999, in Stevenage, England. He discovered his passion for soccer at a young age and began his youth career at the Arsenal Academy when he was just 8 years old. This early start laid the foundation for his successful professional career in the sport.
Ballard signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in 2018 and made his senior debut on loan to Swindon Town in a memorable 2-0 victory against Scunthorpe United. His talent and dedication caught the eye of many teams, leading him to play on loan for clubs such as Blackpool, Millwall, and Swindon Town.
In 2021, Ballard made a significant move to Sunderland Association FC, where he quickly became known for his exceptional skills as a defender. He also had the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage, playing for the Northern Ireland national team.
Ballard's international career began at the youth levels of the Northern Ireland national team before he made his senior team debut in 2019. Known for his versatility, he has played as a center-back and defensive midfielder for his country.
One of the highlights of Ballard's international career was scoring a crucial goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Lithuania. He also proved his prowess in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League with two goals against Kosovo, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the world stage.
Despite being born in England, Ballard has a strong connection to Northern Ireland through his mother, who hails from the country. This heritage allows him to represent Northern Ireland in international competitions, a source of pride for both him and his family.
On Christmas Day in 2019, Ballard shared a heartwarming photo on his Instagram account, featuring himself alongside his mother and brothers Harrison and Ryan. This family bond has been a source of support and inspiration for Ballard throughout his career.
In his professional journey, Ballard has had the privilege of playing alongside talented teammates such as Dennis Cirkin, Timothée Pembélé, and Patrick Roberts at Sunderland Association FC. His dedication to the sport, coupled with his exceptional skills, has earned him recognition as a promising defender in the EFL Championship.
As Daniel Ballard continues to hone his craft and make his mark in the soccer world, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter of his inspiring career. With his talent, determination, and passion for the game, he is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.