“I’m sorry, Zidane was unbelievable” – Frank Leboeuf names quality in which Jude Bellingham is not as good as Zinedine Zidane
French legend Frank Leboeuf delivered his verdict on the Jude Bellingham-Zinedine Zidane debate. The former defender declared that he does not believe Bellingham to be on the same level as Zidane at his age.
Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for around €103 million this summer and handed him the number 5 shirt. The shirt had previously been worn by Zinedine Zidane in his time at Real Madrid between 2001 and 2006.
Like Bellingham, Zidane cost Real Madrid a massive €77 million to sign from Juventus. The English midfielder has hit the ground running since joining the Spanish giants, prompting comparisons to Zidane.
1998 FIFA World Cup winner Leboeuf spoke on ESPNFC about the debate raging on among fans about Zidane and Bellingham. The retired defender, who played alongside Zinedine Zidane, said that he believes Zidane and Bellingham cannot be compared on certain levels.
“In terms of maturity for the age, I would say yes. In terms of technique, I’m sorry, Zizou (Zidane) was unbelievable. I think Jude can get the pace in his game, Zizou wasn’t that fast but he was clever. For me, they are not the same players. Body shape is not the same, technique is not the same but yes, the talent is there.”
Zinedine Zidane joined Real Madrid in the latter stages of his career, aged 29, and he drove Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League crown in 2002. He scored one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
Jude Bellingham emulating Zinedine Zidane at Santiago Bernabeu
Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in a big-money move after impressing in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. The 20-year-old has hit the ground running in a Real Madrid side that needed a talisman this season, immediately assuming the role.
The Englishman has worn Zidane's number five shirt with great honour, impressing hugely. He has scored 10 goals across all competitions to start the season at his new club, emulating Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring feats.
In his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane was the best midfielder in the world. Bellingham has been declared by many, including England teammate Harry Maguire in an interview after the England match, to be the best in the world.
Jude Bellingham is a favourite to win the 2023 Golden Boy award after his impressive showings throughout the year. Zinedine Zidane won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2003, similarly.