Cristiano Ronaldo was admired at Real Madrid, but Jude Bellingham is “unconditionally loved” by fans, says Andy Brassell. Here’s why the young star connects with the Bernabeu on a deeper level.
Cristiano Ronaldo might have rewritten the record books during his time at Real Madrid, but according to European football journalist Andy Brassell, there’s one thing he never fully secured at the Bernabeu: real, unconditional love.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Brassell dropped a hot take that’s already sparking debate — that Jude Bellingham is loved in a way Ronaldo never quite was.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was admired and respected, but never loved like Jude Bellingham,” Brassell said.
Before anyone starts defending CR7 with goal stats and Ballon d’Ors, Brassell’s take isn’t about numbers — it’s about vibes. And apparently, Bellingham’s got them in spades.
Let’s take a quick look at their first two seasons in Madrid:
| Category | Jude Bellingham | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| Appearances | 88 | 89 |
| Goals | 36 | 86 |
| Assists | 26 | 28 |
| League Titles | 1 | 0 |
| UCL Titles | 1 | 0 |
Sure, Ronaldo’s numbers are next level. But Bellingham? He’s become the people’s champ — a fan favorite whose passion and playstyle resonate with supporters on a personal level.
Brassell explained that Bellingham plays with the energy of a Sunday league baller gifted with elite-level talent. He recalled a recent Champions League moment when Bellingham whispered something to Bukayo Saka before a penalty. Saka missed. The crowd cheered. Bellingham’s legend grew.
“He plays the game like any of us would if we had the ability,” Brassell said. “He’s a mix between the best player in the world and us playing on a Sunday.”
Since arriving in 2023, Bellingham has been embraced like a hometown hero, despite being a kid from Birmingham. He’s already lifting trophies and winning hearts — and that combination has made him a Madridista darling in record time.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, for all his goals and glory, was often seen as a superstar who demanded admiration rather than inspired affection.
And while Bellingham still has a long road to travel to match Ronaldo’s medal haul, the emotional connection he’s forged at the Bernabeu might just earn him a crown of a different kind — the King of Hearts.
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