Anthony Gordon says Premier League grind fuels Ballon d’Or ambition

The 25‑year‑old winger Anthony Gordon, now playing for Barcelona in La Liga, argues that England’s core of Premier League footballers face a far greater physical intensity than their international peers, a factor he believes could influence their performance at summer tournaments.

Premier League intensity versus international duty

Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad has already seen a handful of drop‑outs, reigniting long‑standing questions about whether the relentless Premier League schedule leaves players on the brink of burnout before major summer tournaments.

“In England, every game is as hard as the next,” Gordon said. “Playing Arsenal is the same as playing a newly promoted side. That’s the difficulty of the Premier League. Every game is so intense. Everyone can win a game. Hull were unbeaten until they played Newcastle. I think for the English players playing in the Premier League, it can be a lot tougher on the body than it can be playing elsewhere.”

Gordon believes the constant high‑intensity matches demand superior recovery, making the Premier League a uniquely taxing environment for English talent. Playing week after week, he adds, tests both physical and mental limits.

Ballon d’Or race and personal ambition

Harry Kane, who has thrived in the comparatively less strenuous Bundesliga, is widely tipped as a favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or, a contest Gordon says will likely be a straight fight between the England captain and his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal.

“Absolutely. I’ve always dreamt of that since I was a kid,” Gordon told Sport writer Andy Dunn, Chief Sports Writer, at 22:30 on 24 Sep 2026. “I’ve never had a limit on what I can do in life… I believe anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind to it. They just need a lot of luck.” View 2 Images

Gordon also revealed he keeps a diary, writing down his thoughts to reflect later. “I like to write things down,” he explained. “It always makes it more clear… In years to come I can look back on it and pass it on to my kids.”

He recalled the emotional World Cup semi‑final loss, when he put England ahead before being substituted and watching the lead slip. “I did not know what to write. I wrote down just pure emotion,” he said, adding the episode remains a vivid reminder of football’s highs and lows.