The Italian had the opportunity to work with the former Borussia Dortmund player for two seasons at Real Madrid and saw his talent first-hand. Not only did he praise the 22-year-old’s qualities, but he also praised his humanity.
The close relationship between Ancelotti and Bellingham
The former Chelsea and AC Milan manager was in charge of Real Madrid when Bellingham was signed from Dortmund for £88 million ($115 million) in 2023. In their first season together, they completed the Champions League-Liga double. Last season was less successful, with FC Barcelona, their historic rival, having beaten the Merengues in the league and the Copa del Rey. Following the announcement of Ancelotti’s departure from the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this year, the England international praised the Italian.
He wrote on Instagram: “Sir, thank you for everything. It was a pleasure and a great experience to learn from our club’s most successful manager and one of the greatest of all time. What you taught me about life and football will stay with me forever, and I will be forever grateful. Good luck for the future, I wish you, your staff and your family all the happiness in the world! »
Earlier this week, Ancelotti was equally complimentary of the former Birmingham City prospect.
Ancelotti defends Bellingham
The former Everton manager said on the ‘Rest is Football’ podcast that Bellingham was a top player and even compared him to the great Brazilian Kaká. He also brushed aside any notion that the attacking midfielder had behavioral problems, an issue which resurfaced following his non-selection for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in October.
Ancelotti said this week: “ I think Jude is a fantastic player. If I had to make a comparison, I would think of Kaká. He’s that kind of player, very intelligent, physically very strong, and capable of arriving at the right time in the box. He’s in great shape, and he may have had a shoulder problem. He was away for two or three months, and now he’s back. No doubt about it. But why question Bellingham? »
He added: “ No, I never had a problem with Jude’s attitude. He is very professional, very serious, he works hard in training, like all English players. And no, no complaints. »
And on Friday, when asked if Bellingham was one of the best midfielders in the world, Ancelotti replied: “
What do you want me to say? Yes or no? Of course. One of the best. I had a good relationship with him. He helped me win a Champions League in 2024. So, for me, I’m a bit involved in judging Jude Bellingham, but he’s a good guy and a great player. »
