Former Real Madrid ace shares with Jude Bellingham, his impact on Blancos’ locker room surpasses Ronaldo and Zidane’s

Bellingham's stellar debut season at Real Madrid sees him scoring 21 goals and leading the team to the top of La Liga and the Champions League semi-finals.

Chirag

May 1, 2024

Bellingham Gets Praises And Told To Have Had Greater Impact Than Ronaldo And Zidane — Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Bellingham is enjoying an exceptional debut season at Real Madrid after his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer in a transfer valued at €103 million (£88m/$110m). The English player has netted 21 goals for Los Blancos, swiftly becoming indispensable to their ambitions. Moreover, Bellingham appears poised to secure trophies in his first year with Madrid. The team currently leads La Liga by 11 points and has advanced to the Champions League semi-finals.

Bellingham’s impact extends beyond the pitch to the locker room. His teammates have been astonished not only by his goal-scoring prowess but also by his poise and maturity in adapting to the challenges of a new league and country. Former Madrid player Steve McManaman, one of the few other English players to excel at Real Madrid, has praised Bellingham’s influence at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In an interview with TNT Sports, McManaman stated, “Luis Figo, R9 [Ronaldo Nazario], ‘El Phenomeno’, Zizou [Zinedine Zidane]—they all came into the dressing room. None of them has had an impact like Bellingham has, and he’s achieved this at just 20 years old. It’s remarkable.”

“Signing with Real Madrid at 19 amid major changes within the team—Benzema’s departure, as well as Hazard and Asensio’s absences—Bellingham emerged as the primary signing. He has embraced this role remarkably well,” McManaman added.

“Scoring in two Clasicos, winning the Super Copa, clinching LaLiga comfortably, and now in the Champions League semi-finals—all this responsibility rests on his shoulders. What a remarkable talent.”

Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures include a La Liga match against Cadiz followed by the second leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, with the aggregate score currently tied at 2-2. Bellingham, despite being substituted in the first leg due to physical struggles, is expected to play a pivotal role at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.