Rio Ferdinand backs Jude Bellingham to win Ballon d’Or someday

Rio Ferdinand says he believes Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will win a Ballon d’Or one day, backing the midfielder’s talent on his podcast with former teammate Javier Chicharito Hernandez. Ferdinand called Bellingham “underrated” and praised his rise since moving to Madrid in 2023.

Bellingham has already been nominated three times for football’s top individual prize, finishing third in 2024 after a standout debut season with Real Madrid and helping England reach the Euro 2024 final. Despite a trophy‑less 2025/26 season hampered by injuries, he scored seven goals for England at the 2026 World Cup in North America, outscoring Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembélé.

For Nigerian fans watching the global game, Bellingham’s trajectory shows that consistent high‑level performance can keep a player in contention for football’s highest honour, even when club silverware is elusive. His World Cup form also highlights the impact individual brilliance can have on national team success.

Will you follow Bellingham’s career as a benchmark for aspiring Nigerian midfielders, or see his journey as proof that perseverance on the international stage can outweigh a quiet club season?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/07/ballon-dor-rio-ferdinand-names-player-bound-to-win-award/