GARETH BALE is backing Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or if he leads England to Euros glory.
The 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder has lit up the Bernabeu club in his debut season – with 23 goals so far, helping the team win the Spanish title and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
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Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win the individual world football title while at Liverpool, in 2001.
Bellingham’s biggest rival in the fight for the prize is Brazilian clubmate Vinicius Junior.
And former Real star Bale reckons this summer’s Euros and Copa América will decide who comes out on top.
Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, said: “Having a big international tournament will play a big part in winning this trophy.
“The Copa América is also happening, so I think there is a lot to play for, because to win the Ballon d’Or you have to win team trophies – like Lionel Messi did a few years ago.
“Obviously there is a lot to prove, but Bellingham has already done a lot of hard work.
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“He fit in really well and had a fantastic first season.
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“He won the league and to be able to win the Champions League in your first season – obviously from personal experience it’s a great thing to have – gives you that platform to keep moving forward.
“It’s a great club to be at and I hope they get another win and continue to consolidate their title as kings of Europe.
“Continuing to do this year after year is a special skill.”
Gareth Southgate named Bellingham on Tuesday in his provisional 33-man Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.
First though, the former Birmingham ace, who joined Real from Dortmund in a £115m deal last summer, is aiming to win the club’s 15th European Cup at Wembley on Saturday week, when Bale will be rooting for your old team.
The 34-year-old Wales legend joined Real from Tottenham in what was then a world record £86m transfer 11 years ago and won the Champions League at the end of his first season in Spain.
But, speaking at a Mastercard event to launch the Pledge Ball – a football made from recycled football boots and engraved with pledges from the football community to promote sustainability – Bale also admitted that Bellingham’s instant impact under Carlo Ancelotti caught him by surprise.
He added: “I don’t think anyone expected this. His record in the past did not suggest he could score so many goals.
“But he is probably playing in a more advanced position at Real Madrid and the team is much younger. The environment is more comfortable.”
Meet Jude Bellingham’s gorgeous girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia Valk
By Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch model who stole Jude Bellingham’s heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she is staying at his house in Madrid and is completely in love with him.
Laura has a large social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From modeling underwear to showcasing the latest Pretty Little Thing, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the world.
Wherever she is, Laura makes a point of stopping by Chanel – her favorite designer.
She is also a foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favorites.
It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabéu enjoying a shrimp sandwich!
Learn more about Laura.
Or read the latest news from Jude Bellingham.
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