Football News Update: Bellingham Tipped for Ballon d’Or Glory at Euro 2024
Former Real Madrid and England midfielder Steve McManaman believes Jude Bellingham would have a huge chance of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or, if he guides England to European Championship success in Germany.
Bellingham, the 20-year-old sensation, has been making waves in the world of football. After a stellar debut campaign at Real Madrid, where he scored 19 goals in 28 La Liga matches to help Los Blancos clinch a 36th league title, Bellingham also played a crucial role in their Champions League triumph at Wembley.
As England prepares to head to Germany for the Euro 2024 tournament, all eyes will be on Bellingham, who is expected to be a key figure under Gareth Southgate’s leadership. McManaman believes that if the young midfielder can steer the Three Lions to glory in Germany, he could be in line to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
“No, I don’t think it is [out of reach],” McManaman told FourFourTwo. “Leo has gone, Cristiano has gone, so you’re looking for a brand new name on the trophy. If somebody scores a few goals at the Euros and lifts the cup, it could be them.”
Bellingham’s impressive performances this season have already put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or, with the youngster sitting second in the bookies’ favourites to win the award, behind his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior. Kylian Mbappe, who will join the Spanish giants this summer, is also among the top contenders.
If Bellingham were to win the Ballon d’Or, he would become the second-youngest player ever to claim the award, behind Brazilian legend Ronaldo, and would pip compatriot Michael Owen as the youngest English winner.
With England boasting a wealth of young talent, including Phil Foden and Harry Kane, McManaman believes the Three Lions have the potential to make a deep run at Euro 2024. “England certainly have potential,” he added.
Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see how Bellingham and England perform on the big stage in Germany this summer. A successful campaign could see the young midfielder secure a place in history as the next Ballon d’Or winner.
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