Carlo Ancelotti tips Real Madrid star as future captain

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has publicly endorsed Jude Bellingham as a future captain of the club, further cementing the young midfielder’s status as one of football’s brightest stars.

Bellingham has been a revelation this season, consistently demonstrating why he is considered one of the premier midfielders in the world. Though he faced initial struggles at the start of the campaign—following an extraordinary debut season in Madrid—the English prodigy has swiftly regained his form, proving once again why he is indispensable to Los Blancos.

His latest heroics came in the Champions League, where he delivered a dramatic last-minute winner against Manchester City. That goal not only secured a crucial victory but also brought his tally for the 2024/25 season to an astonishing 21 goal contributions in 32 appearances.

Yet, Bellingham’s influence extends far beyond his goal-scoring prowess. While his attacking brilliance dominates headlines, his relentless work ethic, defensive contributions, and leadership qualities make him a complete package. The former Borussia Dortmund star is not just a playmaker; he is a warrior on the pitch—unafraid of the physical battles and always willing to do the dirty work for his team.

With these qualities in mind, Ancelotti was asked on Friday whether he envisions Bellingham donning the captain’s armband in the future. The Italian maestro did not hesitate in his response, delivering a resounding endorsement:

“Jude has personality, character, and an elite mentality. He’s already a leader and will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of Real Madrid for many years. There’s no doubt in my mind—he is destined to be a key figure in the club’s future.”

At just 21 years old, Bellingham has already demonstrated the qualities of a captain. If his trajectory continues, it seems only a matter of time before he leads Real Madrid, not just with his performances but with his voice and presence on the grandest stage.