Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has claimed the Ballon d’Or doesn’t hugely interest him, admitting he would be equally proud if teammate Vinicius Junior were to beat him to it for 2024.
Bellingham’s astounding debut season with Madrid, which has seen him score 23 goals across all competitions and could conclude with the Champions League trophy come Saturday night, has made him a frontrunner to land world football’s most prestigious individual prize.
But some of his biggest competition could from one of his closest colleagues.
“I’m not really too fussed about it. I always felt the Ballon d’Or was for the strikers and the wingers, the flashy players,” Bellingham told Spanish media ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final.
“I know I can entertain the crowd but no-one can do it like Vini. When he is at his best, he’s the best player in the world.
“I know he likes to say the same about me and that’s the kind of relationship we have. You don’t always have to be friends with your teammates, but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch. It reflects on the pitch – we have a good understanding of each other’s movement. To be honest, if was to win it, I’d feel just as proud as if I won it because I know that I’ve helped and contributed.”
Other leading contenders for the award include Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, whose hopes will more likely hinge on what happens at Euro 2024 over the summer. Toni Kroos has also moved into the frame and could be favoured in the voting given his impending retirement.
Bellingham’s Ballon d’Or claim would also be further boosted by a strong Euro 2024, where he is set to take on a starring role for the best England side in a generation. Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior will spearhead Brazil’s quest for Copa America glory in the United States.
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