Premier League legend backs Real Madrid midfielder to become England’s greatest player – “This is superstar reaction” | OneFootball

Real Madrid players have been in excellent form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior in top form at the tournament.

Bellingham single-handedly helped England beat Norway 2-1 on the night, with the English midfielder scoring both goals on an indifferent night for the Three Lions.

The 23-year-old was deservedly named Man of the Match for his exploits.

He has now received another major endorsement after Gary Lineker suggested the Real Madrid midfielder has a genuine chance of becoming the greatest footballer England has ever produced.

Speaking about Bellingham’s impact for the national team, as quoted by Madrid Xtra, Lineker said (h/t ESPN).

“I think there’s really a chance that Jude Bellingham could be England’s greatest ever footballer. At this age, to be doing what he’s doing, grabbing England by the scruff and getting them over the line, that is a superstar reaction.”

Bellingham carrying major responsibility

Bellingham is the name on everyone’s lips in England. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for Rexona)

The praise is significant because Lineker is not only focusing on Bellingham’s technical quality.

He is highlighting the midfielder’s ability to take responsibility when England are under pressure and influence matches at decisive moments.

That mentality is already familiar to Real Madrid supporters.

Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham has shown that he is comfortable carrying expectation, demanding the ball and stepping forward when the team needs a leader.

His personality has often felt just as important as his talent.

Many gifted young players need time before they become central figures, but Bellingham has embraced that status almost immediately for both club and country.

Real Madrid have helped shape his rise

Madrid’s environment has accelerated that development.

Playing under constant pressure, competing for the biggest trophies and sharing a dressing room with elite players has forced him to mature quickly.

Bellingham’s ability to score important goals, drive the team forward and remain emotionally involved in matches fits perfectly with Madrid’s standards.

Lineker’s claim is still a prediction rather than a conclusion. However, there is enough evidence to support it and a realistic chance of it happening.

England have produced several iconic footballers, and Bellingham will need longevity, major trophies and consistent performances before he can seriously stand above all of them.

The ceiling remains extraordinary

Lineker thinks Bellingham can be England’s greatest ever player. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Still, it is easy to understand why the conversation has already started.

Bellingham combines physical power, intelligence, personality and technical quality, while his response to difficult moments often looks far beyond his age.

For Real Madrid, that is the most exciting part. The club did not simply sign a talented midfielder.

They have a player who increasingly looks capable of becoming one of the defining footballers of his generation.

Whether Bellingham eventually becomes England’s greatest remains to be seen, but Lineker’s praise captures the feeling around him perfectly.

It remains to be seen whether Los Blancos’ midfield star can lead the Three Lions to the World Cup trophy in the coming days.