Dan Ballard says he finally feels “powerful” for the first time in his career after helping Sunderland return to the Premier League, and insists he never considered holding back his celebration when scoring against former club Arsenal, as he never felt a genuine first-team connection there.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the centre-back reflected on his physical development, last season’s dramatic play-off run and the mentality that drives him. Ballard has quickly become a fan favourite on Wearside, admired for his grit and grounded personality, but he says those qualities were built through years of struggle.
“I was never the most gifted when I was young and had to fight for every chance,” he said. “Even now, I carry that with me. I have to work for everything. Fans see that, especially in the Premier League. It is that British style of being tough, doing the simple things well and fighting for your club. You cannot ever think you have made it. You go into every game with those nerves, wanting to prove you belong.”
Ballard spent more than a decade at Arsenal, but his journey there was far from smooth. He was released twice and later re-signed after impressing in a youth match against Bayern Munich, yet he admits a senior opportunity never truly arrived.
“I love Arsenal for what they did for me, but I never had that real connection with the first team. It was always the academy staff who supported me. So in a moment like that, in that stadium, of course I was going to celebrate. I will always give everything wherever I play and fans respect that.”
His rise at Sunderland has been helped by a difficult previous campaign. Injuries disrupted the 2023–24 season, leaving him determined to rebuild physically and mentally.
“Last year was stop-start. I felt great the year before and wanted to push on, but injuries held me back. I just about made it back for the play-offs, and then I worked extremely hard this summer. I spent a lot of time in the gym, added a bit of size because the Premier League is so physical. Maybe half a kilo, maybe more. I feel strong and powerful and I am playing well with it.”
The defender also credits his loan spells, ranging from a tough stint at Swindon to standout seasons at Blackpool and Millwall, for shaping his resilience. “All those experiences helped me grow. Blackpool was special because we got promoted, and Millwall was unique too, playing in front of fans again after COVID. I felt the support straight away and it meant a lot.”
His extra-time winner against Coventry in last season’s play-off semi-final proved decisive in Sunderland’s push back to Wembley, where they sealed their Premier League return after eight years away. Ballard believes that momentum has carried into the new campaign.
“We have started really well. Going up through the play-offs brings everyone together like nothing else. We brought in a lot of new players in the summer and everything feels positive. You always wonder if you will get your chances at this level, but I have played a good amount and we are confident. There are lads here who deserve their Premier League chance, and now they are getting it. It is a really exciting group.”