Ballon d’Or: Rio Ferdinand names player bound to win award

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has expressed his support for Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, in his pursuit of the Ballon d’Or.

During a conversation with his former Manchester United teammate, Javier Chicharito Hernandez, on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England international seemed to agree with Chicharito’s assessment that Bellingham is “underrated” and further stated his admiration for the former Borussia Dortmund player.

“I would go so far as to say that I believe he will win a Ballon d’Or one day,” Ferdinand remarked.

Bellingham, who made his move to Real Madrid in 2023, has positioned himself as one of the premier midfielders globally. Nevertheless, he has not yet secured football’s most prestigious individual accolade.

To this point, he has received three nominations for the award, with his most recent nomination occurring in 2025.

His highest placement was in 2024, where he achieved a third-place finish following an outstanding debut season with Real Madrid and his contribution to England reaching the European Championship final.

His initial Ballon d’Or nomination was in 2023 while with Borussia Dortmund, where he ranked 18th. He placed 23rd in the 2025 voting and continues to be recognized as a contender for this year’s award.

Despite facing a season marred by injuries and lacking trophies with Real Madrid in the 2025/26 campaign, Bellingham stood out as one of England’s leading players during the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder netted seven goals in North America, surpassing both Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele by one goal.