Jude Bellingham put his name in lights on the world stage during his first season with Real Madrid. He signed from Borussia Dortmund with great potential and he now has every resource available to him to reach that potential, and then some. Under the tutelage of the best manager in the world, Carlo Ancelotti, Bellingham will only excel to new heights next season.
Jude Bellingham is considered a genuine contender for the Ballon d'Or this year. With Real Madrid boasting a great history of housing Ballon d'Or winners, it could see them overtake El Clasico rivals Barcelona of having the most Ballon d'Or wins. However, he will face competition from his own teammates Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal.
But thinking beyond the current year of 2024, what does the future hold for Jude Bellingham? Well, it will be certainly be bright enough but Real Madrid fans hope that his future is bright in the Royal White of Real Madrid, nothing else.
Carlo Ancelotti makes certain claim about Jude Bellingham's future
According to a report from BBC Sport, Carlo Ancelotti has informed the media that he sees only a big immediate future for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. Speaking to the English broadcaster, Ancelotti said:
"Nothing changes [after Mbappe arrives] for [Bellingham]. Nothing changes. The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy. The next season will not be different. He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot the team with his quality."
The question on everybody's mind is how the arrival of Kylian Mbappe will impact the Real Madrid team. Treble winners last season, it is often the case that a superstar arrival will mean changes. I mean, it goes without saying that Mbappe joins Real Madrid to play in the starting eleven, not to sit on the substitute bench. Therefore, one player from last season must sit out.
That said, Carlo Ancelotti has hinted at changes elsewhere in the team, rather than the attack only. He has already stated that he envisions an attack which utilises the talents of Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Much of Ancelotti's tactical philosophy has centred around versatility, fluidity and unpredictability, so this wouldn't be too much of a surprise.
Do you think Jude Bellingham will play a smaller, identical or bigger role next season, compared to last time out?