Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti highlights reason behind ‘champion’ Jude Bellingham enjoying meteoric growth for club and country

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has credited Jude Bellingham's genetics for his meteoric rise for club and country over the last couple of years. Ancelotti also praised the Englishman as a hard worker in training.

Speaking to the media, Ancelotti admitted he was surprised at Bellingham's quick rise. But he did not take any credit for the midfielder's recent performances, saying (via GOAL):

"It was a surprise, but the merit is in his genetics. At only 21 years old he has shown character and great passion, and he also has genetics in his favour. The champion is a champion because of his genetics, training certainly helps, but above all it's about genetics."

Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the 2023 summer window from Borussia Dortmund. In his first season with the club, he helped them win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.

Jude Bellingham not fussed about Ballon d'Or talks

Jude Bellingham's incredible season saw him become one of the favorites for this year's Ballon d'Or. But he is not paying attention to the talks surrounding the individual award.

He said (via GOAL):

"I'm not really too fussed about it. I always felt that the Ballon d'Or and those kind of things were like for strikers and wingers, the flashy players. I know I can entertain a crowd but no one can do it like Vini. I've said before that when he is at his best, he's the best player in the world. I know he likes to say the same about me and that's the kind of relationship we have.

"You don't always have to be friends with your team-mates but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well, and then on the pitch it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other's movement and if he was to win it I'd feel just as proud as if I'd won it because I know that I've helped contribute to his success."

Apart from Jude Bellingham, his Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal are also among the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or. Manchester City's Rodri is another name that has also been thrown in the mix.