An unexpected name has emerged within Arsenal's ranks to be included in the list of potential candidates for the Ballon d'Or race, following the outstanding performances of Spanish goalkeeper David Raya this season.

Raya is considered one of Arsenal's standout players this season, having delivered remarkable performances that helped the team reach the Champions League final, alongside continuing the competition for the Premier League title.

The Spanish goalkeeper managed to keep 17 clean sheets in 35 league matches, in addition to 9 matches in the Champions League, making him one of the key defensive pillars in coach Mikel Arteta's system.

Raya is also close to winning the “Golden Glove” award for the third consecutive season, an achievement that reflects his consistent level and significant impact on the London team's results.

Although traditional Ballon d'Or nominations usually favor attacking players, such as his teammate Declan Rice or former winner Ousmane Dembele, some opinions have started to consider David Raya as an exceptional case, should Arsenal achieve major accomplishments this season.

The media has widely debated the possibility of a goalkeeper winning the award, especially since only the Soviet legend Lev Yashin has previously won it in 1963.

Several analysts believe that Raya is delivering performances that qualify him to be among the world's best in his position, thanks to his crucial saves and ability to build play from the back, despite some observations regarding risk-taking in passing.

Conversely, others assert that his direct impact on Arsenal's results, especially in major matches, makes him one of the most prominent names capable of asserting himself on the global scene this season, even if entering the Ballon d'Or race is considered an unconventional step.