Jude Bellingham had the coldest response when asked about being the next Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham offered the coldest of responses when asked if he is bidding to emulate Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
Bellingham, 21, has experienced a rapid rise since joining Real Madrid in 2023, securing both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in his debut season.
Although he faced disappointment with England at Euro 2024, the former Birmingham City player has quickly become a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.
With new teammates Endrick and Kylian Mbappe starting to adjust, comparisons to past Real Madrid legends have emerged.
Asked if he sees himself as the next Zidane at the Bernabeu, the Three Lions international replied, “I’m not here to be Zidane; he was incredible. I’m here to be Jude Bellingham and carry on the number 5 legacy.”
His bold confidence has endeared him to fans in Spain. In his first season with Madrid, the former Borussia Dortmund player scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists.
However, Bellingham has played only once for Los Blancos this season due to a leg injury.
“I love being a Real Madrid player, through both the highs and lows, when you have to pick yourself up and try again,” he told UEFA. “Experiencing the top level of football at such a prominent club is amazing for me.”
“You have to embrace the tough times, understanding that they’re challenging but taking responsibility to help the team through them.
“I’ve been able to do that, and the team has also succeeded with other players stepping up, which is why we’ve performed so well.
“When it seemed like games were heading towards draws or losses, and someone managed to turn things around, it’s a fantastic feeling.”
Jude Bellingham has certainly made an impression at Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch. His response when asked about comparisons to Zinedine Zidane—one of Real Madrid’s greatest ever players—was refreshingly confident and self-assured. By stating, “I’m not here to be Zidane; he was incredible. I’m here to be Jude Bellingham and carry on the number 5 legacy,” Bellingham made it clear that he is determined to forge his own path rather than live in the shadow of a legend.
In his debut season with Madrid, he has already established himself as a key player, contributing 23 goals and 13 assists across competitions, which speaks volumes about his impact. Despite a recent leg injury that has limited his playing time this season, Bellingham remains committed to facing challenges head-on. His comments about embracing both the highs and lows of football further demonstrate his maturity, adding to the reasons why Madrid fans have taken to him so strongly.
With teammates like Endrick and Kylian Mbappé settling in alongside him, Bellingham’s role at Madrid will likely grow even more significant as the season progresses. His ability to handle pressure and responsibility, combined with his undeniable talent, suggests a bright future ahead at the Bernabeu.
Jude Bellingham has certainly made an impression at Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch. His response when asked about comparisons to Zinedine Zidane—one of Real Madrid’s greatest ever players—was refreshingly confident and self-assured. By stating, “I’m not here to be Zidane; he was incredible. I’m here to be Jude Bellingham and carry on the number 5 legacy,” Bellingham made it clear that he is determined to forge his own path rather than live in the shadow of a legend.
In his debut season with Madrid, he has already established himself as a key player, contributing 23 goals and 13 assists across competitions, which speaks volumes about his impact. Despite a recent leg injury that has limited his playing time this season, Bellingham remains committed to facing challenges head-on. His comments about embracing both the highs and lows of football further demonstrate his maturity, adding to the reasons why Madrid fans have taken to him so strongly.
With teammates like Endrick and Kylian Mbappé settling in alongside him, Bellingham’s role at Madrid will likely grow even more significant as the season progresses. His ability to handle pressure and responsibility, combined with his undeniable talent, suggests a bright future ahead at the Bernabeu.