Dan Ballard reflects on his mural, rising status and impact during Sunderland’s journey from the Championship

Dan Ballard says he feels “a lot of pride” at becoming one of the defining faces of Sunderland’s resurgence – but insists he remains focused on nothing more than working hard for his teammates and supporters.

The centre-back produced another standout performance in the 2–2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, scoring the opener, providing the stoppage-time assist for Brian Brobbey’s equaliser and making a crucial second-half block as Sunderland extended their unbeaten home run.

Ballard’s influence has grown so sharply over the past 18 months that he now has a mural dedicated to him near the Wear Bridge, painted after his dramatic extra-time goal in last season’s play-off semi-final against Coventry City – a moment that helped propel Sunderland back to the Premier League. Speaking after the Arsenal match, he admitted the tribute still resonates deeply. “There’s a lot of pride,” he said. “The picture of that moment last year, regardless of what’s happened this year and what will happen in the future, that’s a moment that will just stick with me and the city forever. That fills me with pride.”

Ballard’s performances have made him one of the most popular figures in Régis Le Bris’ side, though he insists he is not fully aware of the affection he now commands among supporters. “Probably, not really,” he said, when asked how conscious he is of how loved he has become. “I just try to work hard and help the team. I always appreciate the fans – when they come up to you or sing your name, it’s a great feeling. I’ll just keep working hard for them.”

Saturday’s display only strengthened the sense that Ballard has become central to Sunderland’s identity under Le Bris. His goal, his involvement in the late equaliser and his defensive interventions contributed to another highly credible result against one of the Premier League’s elite sides.

Reflecting on the club’s rise from last season’s Championship play-offs to fourth place in the top flight, Ballard stressed the importance of the journey that got them here. “It’s hard to say, really,” he said when asked if he thought this level was possible when he joined the club in the Championship. “I joined the club knowing it was a massive club with that potential. We obviously knew the challenge was going to be really tough.”

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The former Arsenal, Blackpool and Millwall man added: “Last year was a really special year. It might get glazed over how important last year was, and how tough it really was to get up here. The lads that got us here, it’s all down to them. It would probably have been hard for the boys to picture this.”

Ballard now has eight goals in 97 appearances for Sunderland and continues to deliver in the biggest moments, strengthening his reputation as one of the club’s most influential modern defenders. As the mural suggests, he has already etched himself into Wearside folklore – and performances like Saturday’s only underline why.

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