'Definitely one you think about' - Jude Bellingham reveals Ballon d'Or dream after stunning start to Real Madrid career

Jude Bellingham admits he has dreamt about being a Ballon d'Or winner for a long time after Gary Lineker said he will pick up the award one day.

WHAT HAPPENED? Bellingham continued his stunning start to life at Madrid with a match-winning brace to beat rivals Barcelona 2-1 in the first Clasico of the season. Those were his 12th and 13th goals for Los Blancos in all competitions since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old is one of the best players in world football right now and now-retired striker Lineker believes he is a Ballon d'Or winner in waiting.

WHAT THEY SAID: The England international told CBS Sports Golazo on Monday night: «It [El Clasico] was a fun one, wasn't it? Really happy to play in it, really emotional game for me, watching them as a child, so to play in one and help win one is really special.

»I still get goosebumps talking about it [on playing for Real Madrid] now. It is the biggest club in the world and I am just so proud to wear that shirt."

When told Lineker said he would be a Ballon d'Or winner in 2028, a flattered Bellingham replied: «It wasn't me, was it? Ah, well, that's very nice of him. For me, it's all about the team awards but it is definitely one you think of when you are a kid.»

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Bellingham can do no wrong for Madrid at present. So far, he has made his £89 million ($112m) transfer look like a bargain. With him in the team, they are primed to win back La Liga, as they are top of the league, and will be contenders to win the Champions League again.

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WHAT NEXT? Bellingham's Madrid are next in La Liga action on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano.