*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:01, 15 December 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:00, 5 September 2024 (UTC)
Born in Stevenage,[4] Ballard joined the Arsenal Academy at the age of eight. He signed his first professional contract in June 2018.[5]
Loan to Swindon Town
Ballard moved on loan from Arsenal to Swindon Town in July 2019.[6] He made his debut in a 2–0 win against Scunthorpe United in the League Two on 3 August 2019, coming off the bench in the 88th minute.[7][8] He then scored his first career goal in an EFL Trophy tie against Chelsea U21s on 6 August 2019.[9] But his loan spell was cut short after just three appearances due to a severe knee injury that required 5 months of recovery time.[10]
Loan to Blackpool
In October 2020, he moved on loan to Blackpool, signing with the club until January 2021.[11][12] Ballard made his debut in a 1–0 loss against Charlton in League One on 20 October.[13] On 5 January 2021, it was announced that the loan had been extended to the end of the season.[14] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Crewe Alexandra on 2 March 2021.[15]
Loan to Millwall
He moved on loan to Millwall on 1 July 2021.[16] He scored his first goal for the club when he scored against West Bromwich Albion on 11 September 2021 in a 1–1 draw.[17]
Sunderland
On 30 June 2022, Ballard joined newly promoted Championship club Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract.[18][19] On 16 September 2023, Ballard scored his first goal for Sunderland in a 3–1 win against QPR.[20]
He signed a new deal in July 2024 to extend his time on Wearside until 2028.[21]
International career
Born in England, Ballard qualifies to represent Northern Ireland as his mother was born there.[4]
He has represented Northern Ireland at Under-18 and Under-21 levels.[4][22] He was called up to the senior team for the first time in March 2019.[4][23] He made his senior debut in a 1–1 draw against Romania in a Nations League game in September 2020.[24][25]
In September 2023, Ballard was injured and ruled out of Euros qualifying matches.[26] In October 2024 he missed Nations League games due to injury.[27]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 14 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition