‘Even took Zinedine Zidane’s number!’ - Jude Bellingham told he is ‘taking the p*ss now’ as England superstar continues scintillating start at Real Madrid

Bellingham’s star has been on the rise for some time, having made his debut for Birmingham at just 16 years of age, and found himself at Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023 after seeing a €103 million (£88m/$112m) transfer fee change hands.

An immediate return has been delivered on that investment, with Bellingham registering 18 goals for Real through 26 appearances in all competitions. He has taken on penalty duties and appears to feel no pressure, with a huge call made upon his arrival in Spain when inheriting Zidane’s old No.5 shirt.

Former England international Ferdinand is among those to have been impressed by Bellingham’s fearless approach to football. The ex-Manchester United star said of a conversation that he had with a one-time Real Madrid midfielder: “Jude Bellingham is taking the p*ss now, he’s that good. I spoke to [Claude] Makelele and the first thing he said was ‘Bellingham.’ He told me ‘do you know how big and intimidating it is to play for Madrid and at the Bernabeu.’ And this guy even took Zidane’s number!”

Bellingham won the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award in 2023 and is considered to be a Ballon d’Or winner of the future. He will hope to catch the eye again when La Liga title hopefuls Real return to action on Saturday with a trip to Las Palmas.