Golden Boy founder reveals Jude Bellingham told him Real Madrid have a player who might be better than him

Massimo Franchi, founder of the Golden Boy award, has said that Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham rates his teammate Arda Guler very highly. Franchi said that Bellingham told him last year that the Turkish prodigy has shown tremendous potential in training and that he “might even be a little better than him.”

In an interview with German journalist Philipp Kessler (via @MadridXtra on X), Franchi said:

“Last December, Jude Bellingham told me that Real Madrid had a fantastic young player who might even be a little better than him - Arda Guler. He told me that he shows incredible things in training.”

Guler, 19, came through the ranks at Fenerbahce, where he made his name as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in the world. Having broken into the Turkish senior team at the age of 17, Guler attracted attention from many top clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He eventually joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth a reported €20 million. However, he has found game-time hard to come by, making just 12 appearances across competitions last season, in which he scored six goals.

There has been a lot of speculation about his future, with many reports about a possible loan move this summer. Guler is currently turning heads at the ongoing Euro 2024, where he scored a spectacular goal in Turkey’s 3-1 win over Georgia on Tuesday, June 18.

---

Jude Bellingham reacts to Arda Guler’s wonder goal at Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham has reacted to his Real Madrid teammate Arda Guler’s spectacular goal against Georgia at Euro 2024 on Tuesday.

Turkey took on Georgia in their Group F game at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund. With the game locked at 1-1 in the 65th minute, Guler launched a long-range curler that nestled in the top-left corner and gave his side the lead.

Bellingham was not surprised by Guler’s exploits, commenting under his teammate’s Instagram post (via @MadridXtra on X):

“Not surprised abi.”

With the goal, Guler became the first teenager since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004 to score on his Euros debut. The 19-year-old was also named the Man of the Match for his performance against Georgia.

Turkey will next be in action on Saturday, June 22, against Portugal. Vincenzo Montella’s side are currently top of Group F on goal difference. Portugal beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game of the tournament.