The former Manchester United and England captain gave his two cents on a potential up-and-coming winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Wayne Rooney believes that Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
This week, Bellingham became the third Englishman to win the Golden Boy after Raheem Sterling (2014) and Rooney himself (2004). He later paid special praise to the latter, hailing him as his biggest footballing influence as a child.
In response to Bellingham’s comments, Rooney endorsed the 20-year-old prodigy as one of the top contenders for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in the coming years.
“If he keeps doing what he’s doing then why not?” the Birmingham City manager said on Sky Sports.
“We’ve gone through that cycle of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo where they’ve dominated that. I’m sure there will be five or six players fighting to try and win the next one. I’m sure if he keeps doing what he’s doing he’ll be right up there.
“It’s great to see a young English lad take the opportunity to go and play abroad, be brave. He did really well in Germany and is now at one of the biggest clubs in the world and really shining. I’m really pleased for him. Hopefully, he can take that into the Euros and help us be successful.”
Bellingham has been sensational since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer. The midfielder has made 19-goal contributions in 17 games in all competitions, with 15 goals scored and four assists made.
He will hope to carry on his excellent form on Saturday when Real Madrid face Real Betis in a La Liga match.
"If he keeps doing what he's doing, then why not?" 🙌
Wayne Rooney on Jude Bellingham being a future Ballon d'Or winner ⚪🏆 pic.twitter.com/BrP01hl0dv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 7, 2023
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