Jude Bellingham 'modelled himself on Michael Jordan in The Last Dance' at Euro 2024 - as England insiders claim the Real Madrid star has an 'American sports' personality

4 months ago 24

Jude Bellingham is said to be replicating Jordan's 'stone-cold killer' mentality
The 21-year-old midfielder demands a lot of himself – and his teammates

By Matthew Mcevoy

Published: 09:44 BST, 21 July 2024 | Updated: 09:45 BST, 21 July 2024

England's number 10, Jude Bellingham, has modelled his character on Michael Jordan, one of basketball's greatest-ever players.

Bellingham, 21, is thought to emulate his own characteristics on the six-time NBA winner's 'stone-cold killer' persona, which is evident throughout Netflix series, 'The Last Dance'.

According to the Independent, through England's Euro 2024 campaign, Bellingham would cut a figure 'more akin to an American sport star'.

The report said he was vocal about demanding the best of himself and his teammates – and found it hard to hide his frustrations if either didn't meet the grade.

Bellingham is increasingly modelling his character on Michael Jordan's unbreakable persona

Michael Jordan is recognised as one of the greatest sports stars of all time

Michael Jordan famously was ruthless on and off the court, and was known for his unbreakable mentality and willingness to share his mind, regardless of who was in the room.

Jordan would lead the Chicago Bulls to six championships between 1991 and 1998 – and a legacy that would recognise him as one of the greatest sport stars of all time.

And now, perhaps, there's tell-tale signs Bellingham's emulation of Jordan's game is showing up in his own.

He scored twice at the Euros, including a dramatic last-minute overhead kick equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16, which gave England the impetus to win the match and book a place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

Bellingham's celebrations and gestures to the crowd have been noted for their 'Americaness'

Michael Jordan's 'stone-cold killer' mentality helped drive Chicago Bulls to six championships

Bellingham was spotted riling up the crowd with his 'Who else?' quip, and then offering a subsequent hand gesture that would land him in hot water, all with a certain Americaness about it.

The Real Madrid midfielder is already feted as one of the world's best players. Now, he'll have to keep channelling that energy as a force for good, especially in the dressing room.

If he doesn't, he may create ructions with other players with different personalities – much Jordan did with Scottie Pippen, who has criticised his superstar teammate for being a disruptive force among the team.