Ruud Gullit, a Ballon d’Or winner, has shared his thoughts on why Jude Bellingham of England is unlikely to win the award this year. Bellingham, a 20-year-old sensation, is a favorite to dethrone Lionel Messi after a stellar debut season with Real Madrid. However, Gullit, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1987, believes Bellingham’s youth may work against him.
“I think he’s too young,” Gullit told Mail Sport. The Dutch legend cited the presence of other contenders such as Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, and noted that Bellingham had a dip in form after an injury in February. While acknowledging Bellingham’s talent, Gullit believes the midfielder needs more time to learn from veterans like Toni Kroos and find his best form.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea star also commented on the pressure placed on young English players like Bellingham. He jokingly pleaded with England to “give him some time” and allow him to develop without the weight of expectations.
Ruud Gullit, a Heineken ambassador, shared his insights as part of the brand’s campaign to celebrate real hardcore fans who foster an inclusive space for all lovers of the game.
- Gullit won the Ballon d’Or himself during his time at Italian giants AC Milan in 1987
- Bellingham has emerged as one of the favorites to dethrone Lionel Messi this year
Former Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit has shared his thoughts on why England’s Jude Bellingham may fall short in the race for the prestigious award this year.
Bellingham, just 20 years old, is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable first season with Real Madrid. The English midfielder played a pivotal role in Los Blancos’ success, contributing to a total of 36 goals throughout the campaign and helping the club secure both the La Liga and Champions League titles.
However, Gullit, who himself won the Ballon d’Or in 1987, believes that Bellingham’s youth may be a factor in his pursuit of the coveted award. “I think he’s too young,” the Dutch legend stated in an interview with Mail Sport.
Ruud Gullit (right) thinks that Jude Bellingham (left) is too young to win the Ballon d’Or
Bellingham, at 20 years old, is one of the top contenders to dethrone eight-time winner Lionel Messi. His outstanding performances for Real Madrid in their Champions League triumph have put him in the spotlight.
Gullit was speaking to Mail Sport at an event in London as a Heineken ambassador
Gullit elaborated on his perspective, stating, “If you see other players also, Vinicius [Jr] is also part of it, [Kylian] Mbappe is part of it, [Erling] Haaland overall didn’t have a great season but I think that for Bellingham it’s too early.” He added, “After the injury [in February], he had a little bit of a dip and things like that, he’s still trying to find his, his shape, his form. So, therefore it comes too early.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will not take place until October 2024, and a host of players are in contention to dethrone the current holder, Lionel Messi. While Gullit believes Bellingham may not be ready this year, the young Englishman’s name has been consistently mentioned in discussions about the award, alongside his Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr.
Bellingham has captivated Spain with his exceptional performances, and his popularity among the Madrid faithful has soared. As a result, the expectations and pressure on Bellingham have increased, and with Euro 2024 approaching, England fans are eagerly anticipating his impact on the national team.
When asked about the tendency to place excessive pressure on young, talented players like Bellingham, Gullit, the former AC Milan and Chelsea manager, did not hold back. “Yes, but keep on doing it,” he said jokingly. “Sometimes you bombard people already like [they’re] your saviour and things like that, and they are still young.”
The legendary Dutch midfielder won the Ballon d’Or while at AC Milan back in 1987
The former Chelsea boss also expressed his belief that England puts too much pressure on young talents like Bellingham
He continued, “He’s 20 years old, Bellingham, come on, give him some time, and of course, he’s matured already but give him time. He needs to learn from [Toni] Kroos how he has to do it, how he has to compose himself. These guys are already there for years. So, therefore give him some time, England, please.”
Ruud Gullit was speaking as a Heineken ambassador. Heineken has redefined what it means to be a ‘real hardcore fan’ by celebrating those who go above and beyond to support the game they love and foster an inclusive environment for all fans.