Cristiano Ronaldo may have left a mountain of goals and trophies behind at Real Madrid, but one thing he didn’t quite pack in his suitcase was the undying love of the Madridistas.
At least, that’s the bold take from European football journalist Andy Brassell, who says Jude Bellingham is “unconditionally loved” in a way Ronaldo never was.
Now, before you shout “blasphemy” into your nearest Ronaldo poster, hear it out.
This isn’t about stats. It’s not about Ballon d’Ors, either. It’s about vibes.
And apparently, Jude Bellingham gives the Santiago Bernabeu the warm fuzzies in a way CR7 never quite managed — even with 450 goals to his name.
Let’s have a look at first two seasons at Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham and Cristiano Ronaldo:
| Category | Jude Bellingham | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 88 | 89 |
| Goals | 36 | 86 |
| Assists | 26 | 28 |
| League Titles | 1 | 0 |
| UCL Titles | 1 | 0 |
“Cristiano Ronaldo was admired and respected, but never loved like Jude Bellingham,” Brassell said on talkSPORT.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Andy Brassell explains how Jude Bellingham plays a different game at Real Madrid
Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. By Christmas, he was being cheered like a local lad who brought the club its mail, milk, and match-winning goals.
His connection with fans has been described as natural, even magical. Brassell pointed to one Champions League match moment when Bellingham whispered something to Bukayo Saka before a penalty.
Saka missed. Madrid fans cheered. And Bellingham’s stock rose even higher.
“He plays the game like any of us would if we had the ability,” Brassell added. “He’s a mix between the best player in the world and us playing on a Sunday.” Talk about being the people’s champ.
Ronaldo, of course, was never short on admiration. But love? That’s a different ballgame. It’s the kind of thing you can’t win with a hat-trick or a bicycle kick.
It’s what Bellingham seems to earn just by showing up, sleeves rolled and ready to run through walls — or at least Getafe’s midfield.
Sure, Bellingham has miles to go before reaching Ronaldo’s silverware shelf. But with Madrid fans already swooning, the Englishman might just end up winning a different kind of crown.
Real Madrid news and related links
