Jude Bellingham namechecks Anthony Edwards & Patrick Mahomes when revealing favourite U.S. sports stars - with Real Madrid heading to America for Club World Cup

England international Bellingham is preparing to head to America with Real Madrid for the 2025 Club World Cup. He has Three Lions duty to get through first, as they prepare to take in a 2026 World Cup qualifier with Andorra and a friendly date with Senegal.

Bellingham is no stranger to the United States, having headed there on a regular basis during summer breaks in his hectic schedule, while pre-season tours often take him across the Atlantic.

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As an elite performer in his own right, Bellingham is a big fan of those that illuminate American sports. Asked by FIFA’s official website to pick out his favourites, the 21-year-old midfielder said: “Obviously, Michael Jordan. He's like a reference for everyone who plays sports. If I could meet one sportsman, he’s always my go-to answer. But there are loads.

“I don't watch a load of the NBA, but I like some of their personalities and some of the players. Anthony Edwards, I like him. There's obviously LeBron James. And from the NFL you've got loads of the quarterbacks: Joe Burrow, [Patrick] Mahomes, Josh Allen. I'm not really too picky!

“They have different aspects that you can enjoy, whether it's the personality or the way they play, their style. They all seem to have one superstar element that you can really fall in love with.”

Bellingham is hoping to enhance his own legacy when making history with Real Madrid at a global gathering on American soil. He added: “This Club World Cup is a new opportunity for us.

“It’s a new competition and we want to be the first ones to win it. There aren’t many things you can do at this club that haven’t already been done. It's a bit of history and I want to achieve those firsts. I want to have a career that's as successful as possible and be involved in the greatest teams. I want to win.”

Bellingham already has La Liga and Champions League triumphs on his impressive CV. He has also won the Intercontinental Cup, but is looking to be one of the first to savour revamped Club World Cup glory - with Real kicking off their campaign in that tournament against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on June 18.