by Jude Bellingham’s life began on the first day of this month, resembling a video game career mode with expert cyberpunk control and fully activated cheat codes.
The England midfielder, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid, was named La Liga player of the year due to his transformative performances, as Madrid also won its domestic championship.
Bellingham, a renowned soccer player, is on track to win the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious individual prize awarded to the world’s best players each year.
Carlo Ancelotti, his Madrid coach, referred to him as the world’s best player, while his teammate, Vinicius Jr., and pundits in England and other countries also praised him.
England’s poor campaign may infuriate its fan base and potentially derail Bellingham’s chances of claiming Ballon d’Or glory at just 20 years old, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Luka Modric.
Gareth Southgate’s team finished first in Group C but faced challenges with uninspired performances, including a 1-0 win against Serbia and poor draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Bellingham’s Madrid form was evident in the opening game, scoring the only goal with a header. However, his attempts to improve with Phil Foden have been unsuccessful, and his displays have not been as intense and controlled as they were during his club season.
Jude Southgate, who previously seemed unaffected by the spotlight, revealed that he now lives in a different world, as he played David Beckham, who lived in a different world. This world is Jude’s today, indicating concerns about his future.
Bellingham’s chances of receiving the Ballon d’Or award are slim due to England’s poor performance. His exit at the Round of 16 stage could impact his perception and standing among modern greats. Despite a sea of poor performances, Bellingham has not been able to stand out.
England’s selection process, led by Southgate, is unclear to the public, with players often lacking understanding. Southgate’s focus on Bellingham’s name and Foden’s performance raises questions about whether his selection decisions are becoming a choice between the two.
Bellingham, a former England player, has become a megastar after a Champions League win and a Madrid street party. This is his first appearance as the main England player at an international event, having been used sparingly at the last Euros.
England’s external pressure is putting pressure on Bellingham, who must now deal with the hopes of a nation. This is the biggest challenge he has faced, but it’s likely a temporary one. If he can rewrite the script, he could secure the “best in the world” tag.
