Jude Bellingham has revealed which Real Madrid team-mate he believes is ‘the best player in the world’ ahead of their Champions League final.
Los Blancos are currently preparing for their clash with German side Borussia Dortmund in European football’s showpiece event on Saturday evening at Wembley.
It will be Bellingham’s first time featuring in the tournament’s final and, ahead of the match against his former side, the England star has been hyping up his team-mates.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Bellingham was asked who he believes will win the Ballon d’Or this year, to which he said: ‘I’ve said it before, I think he’s the best player in the world. I think when he’s at his best, he’s unplayable.
‘Also Toni [Kroos], I think has a great chance. Honestly, it’s not something I think about too much. It’s my first Champions League final. I’m more focused on winning trophies with the team’.
Jude Bellingham revealed which team-mate he thinks is ‘the best player in the world’
The England international heaped praise on winger Vinicius Jnr (left) during a recent interview
Brazilian winger Vinicius has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Spanish giants in 2023-24, picking up 23 goals and 11 assists from his 38 appearances thus far.
He’ll get the chance to add to that tally when Madrid take on Dortmund, after he scored two goals against Bayern Munich to book their place in the final.
Kroos, meanwhile, has also been in fine form for Los Blancos throughout the season and recently confirmed he will retire after the upcoming European Championships.
On Saturday night, the German was left in tears as he said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu for the final time, following an emotional send-off.
Bellingham, meanwhile, was also asked about the potential of playing with Kylian Mbappe next year – who has been strongly linked with a move to Spain.
He said: ‘I don’t pick the team and I certainly don’t make the transfers. But, Kylian Mbappe. What a player. Who wouldn’t want to play with someone as good as him?
‘I don’t want to put any more pressure on the situation. It’s probably difficult having everyone always talking about him but yeah, it would be really nice’.
Mbappe is expected to finally seal a transfer to the Spanish capital in the coming weeks after running down his contract in Paris, with Madrid set to snap up one of the world’s best players on a free transfer.
Bellingham also suggested that midfielder Toni Kroos is in the running for the Ballon d’Or
Bellingham and his team-mates are gearing up for their Champions League final on Saturday
The love affair between Mbappe and Madrid has been one of football’s longest-running sagas since the LaLiga side first registered their interest several years previous.
Should the pair link-up next season then they will be one of the most-deadly duos in European football after reaching a combined total of 89 goals and assists in as many games this season.
While Bellingham is busy preparing for Saturday’s Champions League final, Mbappe has been enjoying a mini-break of relaxation ahead of the upcoming European Championship.
The striker recently attended the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix where he was given the honour of waving the chequered flag for race winner Charles Leclerc.
