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5 months ago
22
Former Ballon d'Or winner Ruud Gullit has revealed why he believes England's Jude Bellingham will fall short in pursuit of the trophy this year.
Bellingham, 20, is among the favourites to take home the crown after a spectacular first season at Real Madrid.
The England international racked up a total of 36 goal involvements in his first campaign at Los Blancos, culminating in La Liga and Champions League glory.
But Gullit, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1987, feels it would be premature for Bellingham to get his hands on world football's biggest individual prize.
'I think he's too young,' the legendary Dutch midfielder told Mail Sport.
Ruud Gullit (right) thinks that Jude Bellingham (left) is too young to win the Ballon d'Or
Bellingham, 20, is one of the contenders to dethrone eight-time winner Lionel Messi after proving pivotal in Real Madrid's Champions League success
Gullit was speaking to Mail Sport at an event in London as a Heineken ambassador
He continued: 'If you see other players also, Vinicius [Jr] is also part of it, [Kylian] Mbappe is part of it, [Erling] Haaland overall didn't have a great season but I think that for Bellingham it's too early.
'After the injury [in February], he had a little bit of a dip and things like that, he's still trying to find his, his shape, his form. So, therefore it comes too early.
The ceremony for the Ballon d'Or does not take place until October 2024 with a host of players looking to dethrone Lionel Messi.
While Gullit believes he is not ready, Bellingham's name has been cropping up in the conversation for the trophy alongside his teammate, Vinicius Jr.
The midfielder has set Spain a light with his performances with his popularity skyrocketing among the Madrid faithful throughout the season.
In turn, the expectations set upon Bellingham have risen alongside it, and with Euro 2024 set to start, England fans are looking to him to help push the Three Lions to glory.
When asked if the country puts too much pressure on talented young stars such as Bellingham, the former AC Milan, and Chelsea man, Gullit, took little time to share his thoughts.
The legendary Dutch midfielder won the Ballon d'Or while at AC Milan back in 1987
The former Chelsea boss also believes that England put too much pressure on young players such as Bellingham
'Yes, but keep on doing it,' Gullit said jokingly. 'Sometimes you bombard people already like [they're] your saviour and things like that and they are still young.
'He's 20 years old, Bellingham, come on, give him some time, and of course, he's matured already but give him time.
'He needs to learn from [Toni] Kroos how he has to do it, how he has to compose himself. These guys are already there for years. So, therefore give him some time, England, please.'
Ruud Gullit was speaking as a Heineken ambassador. Heineken has redefined what it means to be a ‘real hardcore fan’ by highlighting those that go above and beyond to support the game they love and foster an inclusive space for all fans.
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