November 13th, 2026 | Broadcast
At just 11, Indian footballer Riaan Ghodawat, a member of the Real Madrid Academy India who has competed at the Singa Cup in Singapore, became the first Indian to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
13 November 2026 – At just 11, Indian footballer Riaan Ghodawat has already experienced something that many young players can only dream of. On October 26, 2026, he became the first Indian to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where he got a chance to be around some of the biggest names in world football.
A member of the Real Madrid Academy India, Riaan has already had several opportunities to experience football at the international level. He has attended training camps organised by Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United in London. He has also competed at the Real Madrid World Championship in Madrid and the Singa Cup in Singapore.
He has also travelled to Barcelona to watch El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. His progress has attracted interest from clubs in the UK, and he has received offers to join them.
A dream evening at the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or ceremony gave Riaan a chance to see football from a different perspective. Instead of being on the training ground or playing a match, he was in a room with some of the sport’s biggest names as their achievements were celebrated.
When I found out I was going to the Ballon d’Or, I could not stop smiling. I have watched these players on screen and followed their journeys. Being in the same room as them was something I had never imagined. It made me want to work even harder at my football.
Riaan Ghodawat
Wants to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid
Riaan’s main focus remains on becoming a professional footballer. He dreams of playing for either FC Barcelona or Real Madrid. Attending the Ballon d’Or has given him another goal to work towards – returning to the ceremony one day as a player.
I want to play for FC Barcelona or Real Madrid and return to the Ballon d’Or as a player. For now, I know I have a lot to learn, and I want to keep training and getting better.
Riaan Ghodawat
For the young footballer, the evening in London was an important moment in a journey that has only just begun. He now wants to return to the pitch, continue learning and work towards his dream.
Source: The Times of India
