Bayern Munich superstar believes Jude Bellingham can win Ballon D'Or this year

Manuel Neuer revealed during a news conference ahead of Real Madrid's second-leg UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich that Jude Bellingham could be a contender for the Ballon d'Or.

The 20-year-old Real Madrid playmaker has had an excellent debut season after joining from Borussia Dortmund this past summer. Together with Vinicius Jr., the Englishman has served as a driving factor behind Los Blancos' success this season.

And Neuer, who encountered Bellingham up close in the Bundesliga, confirmed that the England superstar is a legitimate candidate for the Ballon d'Or.

Neuer said, “Yes, Jude can win the Ballon d’Or, if you go all the way to the end of any competition you are a candidate. But it also depends on England’s performance in the summer. In Germany, we know well how Jude plays, his transfer to Madrid made sense and he has arrived here like a bombshell.”

The German goalkeeper added, “He is playing higher up than at BVB, but no one expected him to score so many goals, that after Benzema a player like him would arrive for Madrid’s attacking football. Everyone at Bayern knows him from the Bundesliga and we know he can make a difference.”

The German custodian then stated that, while Bellingham could pose a threat, he believes Bayern Munich attacker Harry Kane will serve as the deciding factor. At the same time, he acknowledged that Real Madrid has many dangerous players, and focusing on just one or two would be detrimental to the Bavarians

“I think there is no better stadium” : Manuel Neuer on new Real Madrid stadium

Neuer also stated that playing in the Santiago Bernabeu provides a unique experience for every player, and that the venue looks fantastic following the makeover.

The Bayern Munich shot-stopper added, “The stadium is impressive. I already knew it from other times, but now it has something special, historic, and I think there is no better stadium in the world to play in. We are very happy to be here.”