Cristiano Ronaldo has identified a player who reminds him of Real Madrid and French football icon Zinedine Zidane.
At 39, Ronaldo is celebrated as one of the greatest footballers in history, having played for illustrious clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and Sporting Clube de Portugal.
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Currently, the Portuguese superstar is plying his trade in the Middle East, representing the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. ..Continue Reading
Over the years, Ronaldo has competed alongside and against some of the world’s elite players, including Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta, Xavi, Wayne Rooney, and Luka Modric.
In a past interview, when asked about the rising Real Madrid talent Jude Bellingham, Ronaldo expressed that the young star shared similarities with Zidane.
He said: “He has a big future ahead of him and will give a lot to Madrid.
“He reminds me a lot of Zidane, He has some of his qualities.”
During his illustrious career, French footballer Zinedine Zidane played for clubs such as Real Madrid, Cannes, Bordeaux, and Juventus, amassing 695 appearances and scoring 125 goals in all competitions.
After retiring as a player, Zidane went on to manage Real Madrid in two separate stints, leading the team to three UEFA Champions League titles among other accolades.
In contrast, English midfielder Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 after departing from German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Wearing the iconic no.5 shirt once donned by Zidane, Bellingham has blossomed into one of the world’s top players, finishing third in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings behind winner Rodri and runner-up Vinicius Jr.
To date, the young midfielder has netted 33 goals in 73 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. This season alone, Bellingham has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 30 matches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is set to return to action on Wednesday night, facing Leganes in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey.
