*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 05:55, 29 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 06:30, 15 October 2024 (UTC)
Ballard spent the formative years of his childhood living in Greece, before his family moved back to England in 2010 and settled in Berkshire.[3] When he was first invited to train at Southampton, Ballard and his parents would commute to the south coast a couple of times a week.[3]
Club career
Southampton
Ballard signed his first professional contract with Southampton in April 2022.[4]
On 23 August 2022, he made his senior debut and scored his first goal for Southampton's first team in a 3–0 victory against Cambridge United in the EFL Cup.[5] On 21 May 2023, Ballard made his Premier League debut in a 3–1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, replacing Joe Aribo in the 70th minute.[6]
On 27 June 2023, Ballard signed a two-year contract extension until 2026.[7]
Reading (loan)
On 1 September 2023, Ballard joined League One side Reading on a season-long loan.[8] He made his debut for the club on 16 September 2023 in a 2–1 victory against Bolton Wanderers.[9] On 19 September 2023, Ballard scored a brace during a 0–9 victory against Exeter City in the EFL Trophy.[10][11] He scored his first league goal for the club on 3 October 2023 in a 3–1 defeat to Northampton Town.[12] During a 1–2 victory against Wycombe Wanderers on 25 November 2023, Ballard was forced off in the first half after suffering a leg injury from a fall.[13] Three days later, head coach Rubén Sellés confirmed that Ballard would be out for the season after snapping his patellar tendon.[14]
Blackpool (loan)
On 13 August 2024, Ballard joined League One side Blackpool on a season-long loan.[15][16] He made his debut for the club on 17 August 2024 in a 3–0 home defeat against Stockport County after he replaced Ashley Fletcher in the 72nd minute.[17] On 24 August 2024, Ballard scored his first goal for the club in a 4–4 draw with Cambridge United.[18] He suffered a shoulder injury during a 2–0 victory against Huddersfield Town on 24 September 2024, with head coach Steve Bruce later confirming Ballard was expected to be sidelined for several weeks.[19][20]