Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes Jude Bellingham is the right man to win the Ballon d’Or after a successful debut season in La Liga.
Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid last summer from Borrussia Dortmund for €103m and has been able to fulfill his potential at Santiago Bernabeu.
The England international has been able to overcome his price tag to become one of the best players in the world.
Bellingham has become a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, scoring 23 goals in 40 appearances for the club in his first season as well as winning the La Liga title.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
With the England international and his Madrid teammates set to face Dortmund in the Champions League final, Bale believes he has earn the right to win the Ballon d’Or.
When asked by PA if the former Birmingham City talent was in the ballot to be named the world’s best player this year, Bale replied with ‘of course.’
“Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy. The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there’s a lot to play for [between Bellingham and Vinicius] because winning the Ballon d’Or you need to win team trophies.
“If there’s an international tournament you have to provide on that stage as well, like [Lionel] Messi did a couple of years ago. Obviously there’s a lot to prove, but he’s done a lot of the hard work already.”
With Bellingham focus on the Champions League final, the young midfielder is also expected to play a huge role in England’s adventure at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
