When Jude Bellingham was given Zinedine Zidane’s No. 5 shirt at Real Madrid, no one thought he’d live up to the expectation this quickly.
But after 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions and a LaLiga title already under his belt in his debut year, it is fair to say Bellingham is everything Real Madrid fans could have dreamed of and more.
With the Champions League trophy in the 20-year-old’s sights on Saturday at Wembley, people are running out of words to describe the England international’s impact at the Bernabeu.
But when Real Madrid legend and all-time icon Roberto Carlos compares you to his Galactico teammate Zidane, you listen.
Speaking to talkSPORT at Ballerz, a new cutting-edge football centre in Bluewater, the former Brazil international said: “He plays like Zidane.
“For this kind of player, there is no ceiling. He is one of the top players.”
Carlos knows a thing or two about Real Madrid, having played there for 11 years winning won four league titles, three Champions League trophies and finishing runners-up in the Ballon d’Or in 2002 – the same year he won the World Cup with Brazil.
During his time at the Bernabeu, he became part of a squad collectively known as ‘the Galacticos’, a project put together by Real president Florentino Perez to get the biggest and best names in football in Madrid.
After Zidane, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Ronaldo were signed under his tenure, as well as Robinho and Sergio Ramos, they boasted the biggest superstars in the world.
In particular, Zidane really took Real Madrid into the stratosphere when he joined in 2001 at the peak of his powers, being in the conversation for being the best player of all time having led France to glory at the World Cup in 1998 and winning the Ballon d’Or that year.
He usually starred as a playmaker with remarkable vision and passing ability, as well as silky dribbling skills and a penchant for stunning goals – including his legendary volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final to win the trophy, which was assisted by Carlos.
But, according to Carlos, Real Madrid’s current squad could rival them for stardust with Bellingham already the poster boy.
“This Real Madrid team is better than the one I played in, but that time was the best of my life,” the Brazilian great said.
“Luis Figo was always No.1, he could play every position, and David Beckham, we would speak in English over taking free-kicks. We had so much fun, we were great friends.
“But my best friend is still Ronaldo. For me, the best player [ever]. We were the best friends in the whole world.”
Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga also help form a young Real Madrid side that already boasts massive names known around the world.
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The impending arrival of Kylian Mbappe will only further underline Real Madrid as, once again, the home to the Galacticos.
Now they just need the trophies to back it up, with one league title already in Bellingham’s trophy cabinet – and the Champions League up for grabs.
Tune into talkSPORT for live commentary of Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid in the Champions League final – Saturday June 1, kick-off: 8pm
News Summary:
- I won the Champions League with Zinedine Zidane – Jude Bellingham is a modern-day replica
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