Former Real Madrid Star Praises England Midfielder’s Talent and Predicts Individual Success
Former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has tipped Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or in the future, praising the young Englishman’s exceptional talent and impact at the Spanish giants. Rodriguez, who enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid himself, believes Bellingham has what it takes to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
Bellingham, 21, has been a revelation since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. In his debut season, he thrived in an advanced midfield role under manager Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions. His performances earned him a third-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, cementing his status as one of the world’s brightest young stars.
While his second season has seen a slight adjustment in his role due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham has continued to shine. After initially adapting to a more withdrawn position, he has regained his best form, contributing 11 goals and 11 assists so far this campaign.
Rodriguez, who now plays for Club Leon in Mexico, sees similarities between Bellingham’s rise and his own breakout season at Real Madrid in 2014-15. Speaking to AS, the Colombian recalled his impressive debut campaign, where he scored 17 goals and provided 18 assists, and expressed his admiration for Bellingham’s playing style.
“I scored more than 14 goals and 15 assists, I think. It was a spectacular year, similar to the year Bellingham had in his first season,” Rodriguez said. “I really like the way he plays. I think he could win a Ballon d’Or.”
Rodriguez also noted that Bellingham might have an easier path to the Ballon d’Or than he did a decade ago, when the competition was dominated by legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Andres Iniesta. “Of course, to win the Ballon d’Or, I had Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iniesta, Xavi, Suarez, and Neymar in 2014. I finished eighth with these greats ahead of me,” he added.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race remains wide open, with players like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Jr. all in contention. While Bellingham may not win this year’s award, Rodriguez is confident that the England international’s time will come.
As Bellingham continues to develop and make his mark at one of the world’s biggest clubs, the football world will be watching closely. With the backing of a former Real Madrid star like James Rodriguez, the young midfielder’s journey to individual glory seems all but inevitable. For now, Bellingham remains focused on delivering for his team, but the prospect of a Ballon d’Or in his future is a tantalizing one.
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