Zidane admits to being a fan of Bellingham: 'It's important to remember he's only 20 years old'

Zinedine Zidane, the iconic figure in football revered for his elegance on the pitch and tactical acumen off it, recently opened up about his admiration for Jude Bellingham, the young English midfielder making waves at Real Madrid.

In a candid interview with the renowned newspaper As, Zidane expressed his unequivocal admiration for Bellingham, whom he described as a "big fan" of.

Bellingham's journey to the Spanish capital from Borussia Dortmund last summer, for a staggering 103 million euros, marked a significant chapter in his career. Since then, the 20-year-old midfielder has not only justified his hefty price tag but has exceeded all expectations, dazzling spectators with his exceptional performances on the field. With an impressive tally of 20 goals and eight assists in just 29 matches played during his debut season in Madrid, Bellingham has quickly become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid's midfield.

Zidane's praise for Bellingham was effusive, highlighting the young midfielder's remarkable achievements at such a tender age. "He's a player who's doing incredible things," remarked Zidane, reflecting on Bellingham's meteoric rise. While Bellingham's talent was evident from the outset, Zidane believes that the midfielder has surpassed all statistical projections, setting a new standard for excellence in the process. Zidane emphasized the significance of Bellingham's youth, noting that at just 20 years old, he has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the footballing world.

The French maestro, who has experienced both triumph and tribulation during his illustrious career, spoke with a sense of admiration and respect for Bellingham's achievements. Zidane's own journey, which saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport as both a player and a coach, lends weight to his words of encouragement and support for Bellingham's future endeavors.

Looking ahead, Zidane expressed his desire to see Bellingham add to his burgeoning trophy cabinet with Real Madrid. "What we want now is for him to win trophies with Real Madrid. That's all I wish for him," concluded Zidane, underscoring his belief in Bellingham's ability to contribute to the club's success.

Despite currently recovering from an ankle sprain that is expected to sideline him for three weeks, Bellingham has already tasted glory with Real Madrid. In January, he played a key role in helping the team clinch the Spanish Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia, culminating in a resounding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Barcelona in the final. This early success serves as a testament to Bellingham's impact on the team and bodes well for his future at Real Madrid.