Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham can end 23-year Ballon d’Or streak, says Michael Owen

ngland's Jude Bellingham is a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or at just 20 years old.

May 28, 2024

Jude Bellingham Could Win Ballon D'or If He Wins Champions League And Euro — Diego Souto/Getty Images

Back in 2001, Michael Owen achieved footballing glory with Liverpool and England, earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or. He later joined Real Madrid, a path now mirrored by current England star Jude Bellingham.

At just 20 years old, Bellingham has already claimed the Golden Boy award and a La Liga title. In 2024, he has the opportunity to add Champions League and European Championship honors to his name. With 23 goals for Real Madrid this season, the dynamic midfielder is a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Owen explained Bellingham’s chances: “The Ballon d’Or comes to players who have an exceptional season, not only personally, but who have had a season where they have won something or multiple titles. If Jude Bellingham goes and wins La Liga, which he already has done, as well as the Champions League all while being one of the stars of the show in that team, then he has got to be in the conversation. A lot will depend on Euro 2024 with England, if he has a good tournament and England go far then you could rightly say that he has a massive chance.”

Before focusing on his national team duties, Bellingham faces a Champions League final against his former club Borussia Dortmund. Owen commented on Bellingham’s approach to high-stakes matches: “I think Jude Bellingham will be absolutely loving and looking forward to this match. I don’t really buy into pressure, I must admit. I think in any walk of life we are all trained to deal with or adapt to certain situations in any form of life, it just so happens that Jude Bellingham is a great footballer. When you go out to perform your skill, like any other place of work, when you turn up you do it, you are confident you can do it, you have practised doing it. He has done the hard yards, he knows he can go out there and perform in front of the audience, the media and his fellow professionals.”

Bellingham’s teammate, Vinicius Junior, is also a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or and will compete internationally at the Copa America. The competition for the Ballon d’Or will be fierce, with the world’s best players maintaining exceptional standards.