Real Madrid legend showers Bellingham with praise: ‘One of my absolute favorite players’

Once the beating heart of Germany’s midfield, Toni Kroos is a mere onlooker in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The German remains a keen observer of the game and of his former Real Madrid teammates. And one current Real Madrid star has earned his admiration after the first round of fixtures in the World Cup group stage.

In glowing comments, Kroos heaped praise on Jude Bellingham, adding that he rates the English international quite highly.

Kroos’ high praise for Bellingham

Kroos began by placing Bellingham among the very best he has come across, highlighting the Englishman’s all-around qualities and his ceiling as a player.

Bellingham performed superbly in World Cup opener. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

“Bellingham is one of my absolute favourite players. He has everything to show. He can be an incredibly complete player and be the best in his position. He has all the attributes for it. He has an incredible understanding of the game,” Kroos said (h/t Madrid Xtra).

The German, who shared a dressing room with Bellingham during his final season at the Bernabeu, went into detail about the specific attributes that make the midfielder so complete.

“He has the physicality to hold his own in defensive duels. He has a good finish with his left, right foot and head. He goes into the box and understands the game. He has a great mentality,” he added.

A confidence-booster for Bellingham?

Can Bellingham help England win the trophy? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Kroos went on to admit that he is a huge fan of the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, in a sarcastic tone, having already praised him much.

“I don’t know if people notice it, but I am a big fan of his,” he said.

A five-time Champions League winner and one of the finest midfielders of his generation, the German is not a man prone to hyperbole. His praise for Bellingham, therefore, is significant.

This will serve as a key confidence-booster for Bellingham, who is coming off a difficult season at Real Madrid, where he struggled with form and injuries. He also had to deal with boos during the game against Croatia.

The Englishman is hoping to revive his form in the ongoing World Cup, hoping to help England lift the coveted trophy for the first time since 1966.

A consistent Bellingham could go a long way in boosting Real Madrid’s chances of dominating European football next season.