Jude Bellingham has enough to celebrate. Earlier this week, the 20-year-old won the prestigious Golden Boy Award, cementing his position as Europe’s best young player. Within a very short time, he proved that nobody could stop him from achieving enormous milestones. Soon after receiving the award, the British superstar confessed that Wayne Rooney was his biggest influence. Now, Rooney has revealed what he thinks about Bellingham, and it can take the young star to cloud nine.
Any surging soccer player is naturally compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as they are considered two legendary players to walk on earth. Both of them have made it a habit to win the most esteemed Ballon d’Or Award, and interestingly, Rooney believes that the same destiny awaits Bellingham, but only if he follows one thing.
Jude Bellingham has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or, per Wayne Rooney
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Recently, Wayne Rooney talked to Sky Sports about the evolution of Bellingham as one of the best players. Later, he was asked if the English soccer star had the potential to win the next Ballon d’Or Award. As an answer to the question, the English Association Football Manager said, “If he keeps doing what he is doing, then why not?“
"If he keeps doing what he's doing, then why not?" 🙌
Wayne Rooney on Jude Bellingham being a future Ballon d'Or winner ⚪🏆 pic.twitter.com/BrP01hl0dv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 7, 2023
Rooney believes that Bellingham has to put in the same hard work and dedication to win the prestigious award. He later compared the young star with the soccer legends.”In the cycle of Messi and Ronaldo where they dominated that. I’m sure there will be five or six players you will be fighting in the next time in the next one.“
For Bellingham, growing up watching players like Rooney on the field has helped him work more on himself, especially when he was a part of the Birmingham academy. He has even hailed Wazza for inspiring him.
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Rooney is the biggest influence for Jude
After winning the Golden Boy Award, Bellingham said, “For me, I probably say Rooney was the biggest influence. Growing up, obviously being from England, and the way he played.” He also stated that being a part of Real Madrid and England puts lots of pressure on him, as expectations are always high. However, the English star has no complaints, as he already feels like he is in a privileged position, which he enjoys to the core.
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The midfielder has high hopes for his future, which also includes preparing himself for the Euros next summer. At the moment, his only aim is to do all that he can to help his team win trophies. Do you think that Bellingham has the determination to be the next soccer legend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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