Jude Bellingham seemed destined for greatness when he was a teenager, and he has lived up to all the hype. Bellingham is one of the best soccer players in the world and has thrived under the pressure of playing for Real Madrid, arguably the most iconic club in the world.
Bellingham and Madrid did not have the greatest 2024-25 season, though, as they failed to win La Liga or the UEFA Champions League. Winning those titles was the biggest goal, but they can still add to the European Super Cup they won at the start of this campaign.
Madrid will be playing in the Club World Cup in the United States, starting June 14, and Bellingham is hoping he gets to cross paths with Michael Jordan during his time there.
Michael Jordan is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Michael Jordan is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Bellingham was recently asked if there was one sportsman he would like to meet. His answer, without much hesitation, was Jordan.
"I think obviously Michael Jordan," Bellingham said, via Complex Sports. "He's like a reference for everyone who plays sports. I think he's obviously the one. If I could meet one sportsman, that's always my go-to answer."
Bellingham reportedly 'modeled himself on Michael Jordan in The Last Dance' at the Euro 2024. It appears the Chicago Bulls icon serves as quite an inspiration to him. Basketball isn't quite the global game the way that soccer is, and it speaks to Jordan's greatness that he has had such a big influence around the world.
Bellingham also admitted he doesn't watch the NBA a lot, but is a fan of the likes of Anthony Edwards and LeBron James.