REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham has surprised fans with his list of football idols. Despite his incredible performances for Los Blancos and winning the Kopa Award, Bellingham revealed that his childhood idols were Birmingham City legends Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, and Lee Bowyer, along with Zinedine Zidane.

Growing up as a Birmingham City fan, Bellingham developed a deep affection for Larsson, Gardner, and Bowyer, especially after their League Cup triumph in 2011. However, as he expanded his knowledge of the game, Bellingham’s father introduced him to Zidane, and the French legend became another idol for the young midfielder.

Bellingham’s admiration for Zidane was so significant that he even requested his Real Madrid teammate Jesus Vallejo to give up the No. 5 jersey, the same number Zidane wore during his playing days, so that he could pay tribute to his idol on the pitch.

It is clear that Bellingham’s football journey has been shaped by both his local heroes and global icons, showcasing his unique perspective and diverse influences.

“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 wаnted to be. I was lucky enough to meet him during the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool [in 2022].

Jude Bellingham’s unique choices of football idols sparked disbelief among fans, prompting discussions on social media. Many fans found it fascinating that players like Lee Bowyer and Zinedine Zidane were mentioned in the same context.

One fan pointed out the rarity of mentioning Bowyer and Zidane together, highlighting the stark contrast in their playing styles and careers. Another fan commented on Bellingham’s combination of influences, suggesting that he embodies traits from players like Craig Gardner, Seb Larsson, Bowyer, and Zidane.

The admiration Bellingham has for Zidane also stood out to fans, with one remarking on his profound love for the French legend. Bellingham’s diverse range of idols showcases the impact that both local heroes and global icons can have on a young player’s development and aspirations in the world of football.