Ancelotti Draws Stunning Ballon d'Or Winner Comparison for Bellingham as Attitude Questions Swirl
Ex-Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti drew comparisons between Jude Bellingham and Brazilian icon Kaká while strongly defending the criticized England midfielder.
Similar to numerous young talents before him, Bellingham has experienced the unpredictable nature of British football supporters in recent months. Previously celebrated as the nation's pride for being a rare English talent excelling abroad, the dynamic Real Madrid centerpiece has faced growing criticism for perceived cockiness.
Shouting "who else?" after scoring might seem somewhat boastful, but Bellingham had just netted a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer with a spectacular bicycle kick to save England from elimination during the 2024 European Championships knockout phase. Who else could have produced such magic?
Ex-England assistant manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink perfectly described the confidence dilemma surrounding Bellingham. "That's somewhat the issue with the English," he shared with The Times recently. "You're permitted to excel but not allowed to show self-confidence. And self-confidence is often mistaken for arrogance."
Ancelotti guided Bellingham through his finest campaign in 2023–24 as the midfielder accumulated an impressive 23 goals (plus 13 assists) in all competitions, helping Real Madrid secure La Liga and Champions League titles. The "arrogance" discussion never concerned the Italian coach.
"No, I never encountered issues with Jude regarding his behavior," Ancelotti shared with The Rest in Football. "He's truly professional, genuinely dedicated, trains intensively, just like all English players. No grievances whatsoever."
Regarding Bellingham's on-field abilities—which have been strangely overlooked during discussions about his demeanor—Ancelotti was equally complimentary.
"I believe Jude is an exceptional talent. When making comparisons, we discussed Kaká."
Few attacking midfielders throughout football history can rival Kaká's elegant brilliance. The 2007 Ballon d'Or recipient secured that season's Champions League with Ancelotti's AC Milan squad, adding the prestigious trophy to a collection already filled with Italian honors and Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. Unlike Bellingham, Kaká couldn't reach similar peaks at Real Madrid.
Actually, the English prodigy required just 61 matches to surpass Kaká's goal tally for Los Blancos (30 versus 29) despite the Brazilian's 120 total appearances in white.
"He represents this type of player, genuinely smart, physically powerful, excellent at reaching the penalty area precisely when needed," Ancelotti praised enthusiastically. "He's performing brilliantly, though he dealt with a shoulder injury. He was sidelined for two to three months but has returned. No doubts exist. Why must people question Bellingham?"
The current Brazil manager had zero tolerance for criticism regarding "an excellent person and outstanding player."
Thomas Tuchel Explains Jude Bellingham's England Snub
The Bellingham controversy represents more of an English-focused issue than a Real Madrid concern—Xabi Alonso's sole complaint involved rushing the versatile player back too quickly for the Atlético derby. Since returning to full fitness, Bellingham has consistently impressed despite Real Madrid's recent collective struggles.
Thomas Tuchel hasn't given Bellingham preferential treatment—though alleged friction between them is greatly exaggerated. Still, speculation resumed when the Real Madrid sensation was relegated to the bench for England's World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Thursday evening.
Tuchel immediately dismissed rift rumors by straightforwardly explaining that Bellingham's exclusion resulted from tactical understanding; Morgan Rogers possessed greater familiarity with England's pressing system.
"It wouldn't be fair to Jude to learn everything quickly since we modified our pressing approach over the past two camps," Tuchel clarified. "Declan [Rice], Morgan and Harry [Kane] already practiced it together across three to four matches. I believed they could adjust faster. Once we establish formation, we can provide clear guidance to Phil [Foden] and Jude and introduce them as substitutes."
Despite Rogers's effort during his 65-minute appearance, Bellingham maximized his brief opportunity, showcasing his distinctive combination of elegance and intensity that will likely make Tuchel reconsider benching him again.