Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has earned high praise from French football legend Zinedine Zidane, who believes the young star is a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in the future, Soccernet.football reports.

Bellingham, already nominated among the top 30 players for this year’s prestigious award, has enjoyed a remarkable year for both club and country.

Bellingham joined Real Madrid for a staggering €103 million and quickly became a key figure in the squad.

In his debut season, he emerged as Real Madrid’s top scorer in the league, playing a vital role in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs.

His performances earned him the La Liga Player of the Season award after he had earlier made history as the first English player to win La Liga Player of the Month.

In the Champions League final, Bellingham faced his former club Borussia Dortmund, and provided the assist for Vinícius Júnior’s goal, sealing a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid.

His impressive stats included four goals, five assists, and a 90.5% passing accuracy, leading to his recognition as UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season.

Ex-Juventus and Real Madrid hero Zidane, a former Ballon d’Or winner himself, spoke highly of Bellingham at the launch of the EA FC 25 game.

“Can Jude Bellingham win the Ballon d’Or in the future? Why not? I ask why not, my friend?” Zidane said as per SkySports.

“In the game, he’s going to be great for sure. On the pitch, he still has a lot to do, but he’s going to be great.”

Although Bellingham is expected to be a top contender, his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior remains the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

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