The midfielder is approaching a level of performance that draws parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo during his early days in the Spanish capital. Donning the No.5 jersey for Real Madrid and displaying exceptional skill as he navigated through opposing defenders to score a remarkable individual goal, watching Jude Bellingham in Tuesday’s captivating Champions League encounter against Napoli evoked memories of Zinedine Zidane. However, considering Bellingham’s current form, even comparing him to the legendary French midfielder might not do justice to his exceptional abilities.
By finding the net for Madrid’s second goal in their 3-2 victory, he became only the second player in Madrid’s history to score in their first two Champions League matches for the club. The sole other individual on that exclusive list? Cristiano Ronaldo.
Drawing comparisons between Bellingham and Ronaldo after just nine games may appear hasty. After all, Ronaldo spent nearly a decade at Madrid, scoring an impressive 450 goals, securing La Liga twice, clinching four Champions League titles, and claiming the Ballon d’Or on four occasions. In comparison, Bellingham has enjoyed a prolific start, but Madrid currently holds a narrow one-point lead in La Liga. They are not the same type of player, nor do they possess the same level of quality (at least not yet).
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It is, though, difficult to recall any player who has had such an instant impact on the 14-time European champions and the city that surrounds them Ronaldo arrived from Manchester United in 2009. For an ageing Madrid side who are on the hunt for their next Galactico, there is comfort to be found in the fact that their newest megastar looks to have arrived, and has the potential to reach Ronaldo-levels of impact on the team.