"Someone from Madrid deserved it" - Jude Bellingham insists Real Madrid teammate deserved 2024 Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham reckons one of his teammates deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The prestigious accolade went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Bellingham's teammate Vinicius Junior was one of the top contenders for the award. The Brazilian was coming off a 24-goal season, helping Los Blancos win three titles, including a second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years. However, Vinicius finished behind Rodri in the final standings.
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League meeting with Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday (November 28), Bellingham talked about Vinicius' Ballon d'Or credentials (as per Marca):
"I think when we won the Champions League, this was our Ballon d'Or ... the recognition that we were the best team in Europe. I think it was more deserved for one from Madrid, especially for Vini. Rodri is a player, but I think someone from Madrid deserved it."
Lavishing praise on Vinicius, who's not a part of the squad due to a hamstring injury, Bellingham continued:
"He is one of the best players in the world ... if not the best. It is a significant loss, but I have full faith that the rest of the team can replace him. It is each of our responsibilities to step up in his absence."
Real Madrid are coming off a 3-1 home loss to AC Milan on matchday four, their second defeat in four games. Carlo Ancelotti's holders are 18th in the standings, six points behind the Reds, the only side to win their opening four games this season.
Jude Bellingham has a 'different' role at Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham enjoyed a tremendous debut season at Real Madrid since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, registering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions.
However, following the arrival of striker Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer this season, Bellingham has been deployed in a deeper role by Carlo Ancelotti. Throwing a sneak peek on the same, the Englishman said (as per the aforementioned source):
"I arrived last summer when the club lost one of the best strikers in the world and there was a gap to fill. This year we have signed one of the best of this generation, and I know that my role is different. But I want more, I have a keen goal-scoring instinct, and Ancelotti has a huge impact on the whole stadium. His relaxed manner is very useful for everyone."
Jude Bellingham and Co. have won seven of their 11 UEFA Champions League meetings with Liverpool, including their last three.