Jude Bellingham’s reported replication of Michael Jordan has been discussed amid talk his personality is more in line with an American sportsman.
Bellingham is one of the contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, having quickly accelerated to one of the best players in world football and scored 23 goals as Real Madrid won the Champions League and La Liga.
There is rightly a buzz surrounding him and the 21-year-old is beyond his years in many aspects.
But there is also the feeling that the demeanour which he brings is like nothing seen before in English football.
According to Miguel Delaney from The Independent, his actions at Euro 2024 saw “constant talk that Bellingham is increasingly modelling himself on the image of Michael Jordan in The Last Dance”.
The six-time NBA champion, one of the greatest athletes of all time, was renowned FOR being a cold killer on the court and with a mentality that was near bulletproof.
It’s claimed that like Jordan, Bellingham demands the very best from all this around him and he is unable to hide frustrations.
There are traits which are on display at Real, but it’s said that those inside the camp say that we’re looking at an uber confident personality more common in sports across the pond.
Bellingham scored twice at Euro 2024, including a last-gasp overhead kick equaliser in the round of 16 clash against Slovakia.
The “Who else?” quip in his celebration certainly had an Americanness to it, as well as his controversial gesture which resulted in punishment.
He was named as part of England’s leadership group and the report goes on to add that some England players immediately noticed how easy he can fulfil the role of a senior member of the squad.
He was seen consoling many of his colleagues following the final defeat to Spain, with some viewing it as a way to keep up his PR.
Captain Harry Kane has a lot of time for Bellingham, while his best friend in camp would appear to be Trent Alexander-Arnold – who may even join him in Madrid at some point if reports are anything to go by.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, Michael Jordan, Euro 2024