Gareth Bale names Real Madrid star as his pick to win Ballon d'Or

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes Jude Bellingham is in prime position to win the Ballon d'Or after a successful debut season in La Liga.

The 20-year-old has risen to become one of the best players in world football after making a €103m move to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

His first season in Spain has been nothing short of miraculous, winning the La Liga title and bagging 23 goals in 40 appearances for the club. Bellingham's success has also seen Madrid earn a place in the Champions League final, where they will face the midfielder's former side, Dortmund.

Bellingham is also expected to play a huge role in England's international charge, as they look to impress at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

If he is to impress in Gareth Southgate's squad, Bale thinks Bellingham is in with a chance of taking the Ballon d'Or, ending England's 23-year-wait for a winner.

When asked by PA if the former Birmingham City talent was in the ballot to be named the world's best player this year, Bale replied with 'of course.'

"Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy. The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there's a lot to play for [between Bellingham and Vinicius] because winning the Ballon d'Or you need to win team trophies.

"If there's an international tournament you have to provide on that stage as well, like [Lionel] Messi did a couple of years ago. Obviously there's a lot to prove, but he's done a lot of the hard work already."

Along with Bellingham, fellow Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is also in contention to win the Ballon d'Or this season. The wide forward has been remarkably clutch for Los Blancos in big games this season, netting braces against both Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season.

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