Bellingham's 'Frankenstein-like' idol - Lee Bowyer and Zinedine Zidane

It is not a surprise to hear one's idols in football could be Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, George Weah, Mohamed Salah, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, the R9 Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane. It is no surprise to even look up to two names from a list similar to this one. But one of the greatest names of today's football, Jude Bellingham - surprised everyone with his combo of idols.

After a stellar season with Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder moved to Real Madrid and has landed the Kopa Trophy, handed out to the world's best young player. When the 20-year-old took home the coveted award, he was asked to list the football players who inspired him as a child and when he was still playing as a youngster. The England international went on to name - along with an expected superstar such as Zidane - former Birmingham City players Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, and Lee Bowyer.

"I admired the Birmingham players, the team that won the League Cup at Wembley (2-1 against Arsenal in 2011). My heroes were Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner and Lee Bowyer," the 21-year old told L'Equipe.

“As I got more into it, dad was the most important. Later, my first models were Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, simply because they played in England. And then when you grow up, you start watching football. My dad had a fake Zidane shirt that he had bought on the beach. He took it everywhere, often at home. One day I asked him: ‘By the way, who is that guy?’ He replied: ‘Go on YouTube and check him out.’ Since then, I probably haven’t stopped.”

“Zidane was the player I wanted to be. I was lucky enough to meet him during the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool (1-0, in 2022). I was like a kid, wide-eyed. It’s so humbling for someone who has achieved so much. He gave off a great presence. And, according to the guys who played with him here, he was a great coach. That is just as important.”

Another Brazilian sealed!

The Englishman has been incredible since moving to Santiago Bernabeu, where he took over Zidane's no.5 shirt. Bellingham's 13 goals and three assists in 13 games for Real Madrid in all competitions have lit up the Santiago Bernabeu this season - his contributions have helped Madrid win the first Clasico of the campaign against Barcelona and take the lead in the league standings over Girona and Atletico Madrid.

Bellingham's next challenge come in three days when Real Madrid take on Rayo Vallecano - a massive chance for Jude to improve his already incredible stats.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 12

Friday

23:00: (5.70) Las Palmas (3.80) Atl.Madrid (1.63)

Saturday

16:00: (2.85) Osasuna (3.30) Girona (2.50)

18:15: (1.90) Betis (3.40) Mallorca (4.30)

20:30: (2.65) Celta (3.35) Sevilla (2.85)

23:00: (3.20) Sociedad (3.40) Barcelona (2.25)

Sunday

16:00: (1.80) Alaves (3.70) Almeria (5.00)

18:15: (1.62) Valencia (3.80) Granada (5.80)

20:30: (3.10) Villareal (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (2.40)

23:00: (1.30) Real Madrid (5.80) Rayo Vallecano (9.00)

Monday

23:00: (1.95) Getafe (3.30) Cadiz (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***