Despite believing that he is behind in the race for the Ballon d’Or, Jude Bellingham has endorsed his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior to win.
Bellingham is considered a candidate for the world’s best player award after his impressive first season with Real Madrid, following his move from Borussia Dortmund. However, the 20-year-old is not concerned about winning and would be equally happy if his teammate received the honor.
He told Teledeporte:
“I’m not really too fussed about it, “I always felt that the Ballon d’Or and those kind of things were like for strikers and wingers, the flashy players. I know I can entertain a crowd but no one can do it like Vini. I’ve said before that 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 team-mates but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well, and then on the pitch it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other’s movement and if he was to win it I’d feel just as proud as if I’d won it because I know that I’ve helped contribute to his success.”
Bellingham contributed to 25 goals this season, scoring 19 and assisting six, helping Madrid win the Spanish league title. He also scored four goals and assisted four more, leading Carlo Ancelotti’s team to the Champions League final. His Brazilian teammate was also crucial, with 20 goals and nine assists in both competitions.
This week, the Madrid duo aims to lead their team to European glory in the Champions League final against Bellingham’s former team, Dortmund, on Saturday. A win would give Madrid their 15th European title.
