We allowed him leave for just £50M and now he was ranked above all our players in the Balon d’Or ranking including Bellingham”- Madrid Sporting Director regrets letting his “world class” star leave for just £50M who is now placed above their star boy in the Balon d’Or

In a recent press conference, the Sporting Director of Real Madrid expressed regret over the club’s decision to sell a former player for a seemingly modest fee of £50 million. This player, once part of Madrid’s esteemed roster, has since risen to new heights and was recently ranked ahead of all current Madrid players in the 2023 Ballon d’Or standings, including their new sensation Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid’s decision to let go of the player, whose identity remains undisclosed in the Sporting Director’s statements, now appears to be a significant misstep. Sold for a fee that might now seem undervalued considering his recent accomplishments, the player has become a sensation at his new club, impressing fans, experts, and former teammates alike.

Speaking to reporters, the Sporting Director acknowledged the former player’s impressive journey post-departure, stating, “He was world-class when he was with us, but his recent performances have shown his true potential. Seeing him ranked above our own players, even Bellingham, in the Ballon d’Or standings is a tough pill to swallow.”

This shift of fate highlights the challenge elite clubs like Real Madrid face when making transfer decisions. Even with experienced managers and executives, forecasting a player’s long-term trajectory can be difficult. In this case, the player has become an even bigger star after leaving Madrid, reflecting a rare instance where the club’s renowned scouting and development programs couldn’t fully capture his future potential.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, Madrid’s standout player and a Ballon d’Or contender himself, has captured hearts since his arrival. His scoring ability, dynamism in the midfield, and adaptability to Madrid’s style of play have already made him a fan favorite. Nevertheless, seeing another former Madrid player outrank Bellingham in such a prestigious award does underscore the impact the ex-Madrid star is having on the footballing world.

The Sporting Director concluded, saying, “It’s always difficult to let a talented player go, especially for what now seems like a low price. We wish him the best, but we also know we have immense talent within our squad, with players like Bellingham set to make history.”

Real Madrid has long been known for nurturing and retaining top-tier talent, and while this player’s departure may be a source of regret, the club remains focused on its future goals.

The player in question appears to be **Achraf Hakimi**, who was sold by Real Madrid to Inter Milan for approximately £50 million in 2021. Since leaving Madrid, Hakimi has excelled at Inter and now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, where he has gained significant acclaim. His performances have not only showcased his talent but also led him to be ranked ahead of current Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham, in the 2023 Ballon d’Or standings.

The regret expressed by Real Madrid’s Sporting Director highlights the challenges elite clubs face in evaluating player potential and the sometimes underestimated market value of their talent. Hakimi’s success serves as a reminder of how players can thrive in new environments, emphasizing the unpredictability of football transfers. While Jude Bellingham is quickly establishing himself as a key player for Madrid, the juxtaposition of his achievements with Hakimi’s recent accolades reinforces the complexities of squad management and talent retention in modern football.

Real Madrid remains committed to its tradition of developing world-class players, and despite the regret over Hakimi’s departure, the club’s focus will continue to be on building a competitive squad for the future.