What if Jude Bellingham was Zinedine Zidane’s heir at Real Madrid? Author of a stratospheric start to the season with Casa Blanca (16 goals and 5 assists in 19 matches), the 20-year-old Englishman is making an impression. Statistics so frightening that the former Dortmund player is better than the top scorer in the history of the Madrid club after 15 games played, Cristiano Ronaldo. Invited to the 30th anniversary of the Adidas Predator, a pair of cleats perfectly representing the midfielder, worn by football legends of his country like Steven Gerrard or David Beckham several years ago, Bellingham spoke to Marca his admiration for another player who wore these crampons in the past, a certain Zinedine Zidane.
“Zidane is the best midfielder I have ever seen. I hope to preserve the legacy of his number 5 and his shoes at Real,” said the Madrilenian about “Zizou” before evoking his fondest memory of the former No.10 of the France team . “Because of what it means and the moment, Zidane’s volley is the first and best memory that comes to mind with these shoes. I hope there are a lot of great moments to come, to continue the legacy of these shoes, of this brand, and try to inspire the next generation that will come after me. Zidane, Beckham or Gerrard have done it before and now it is my responsibility and pride and I hope to benefit from it,” added the current top scorer of the Merengues.
2023 Kopa Trophy winner Bellingham also spoke about how he draws inspiration from these immense champions. “It’s a question of mentality, these players have in common their ability to perform in the best scenarios, in big matches, and that’s why we are judged in football. Prizes come naturally, but you take it personally when you come second and don’t win. Winning trophies like the Golden Boy came naturally, I was second twice and the truth is that I didn’t like it. We take it personally when we don’t win. For me, it was about keep pushing, keep trying, and in the end I got it,” the Birmingham native explained. “I continue to learn, develop and try to improve every day and surpass my limits,” concluded the Real Madrid prodigy, who seems born to continue the legacy of his idol Zinedine Zidane in the Real Madrid.
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