Ballon d’Or: Drogba Names Bellingham and 1 Real Madrid Star To Win Prestigious Award in Next 5 Years

• Didier Drogba has tipped two of Real Madrid's players to win the Ballon d'Or in the coming years
• Drogba's highest finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings was fourth, behind Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi in 2007
• Meanwhile, this year's award is a straight fight between Messi and Erling Haaland

Didier Drogba has confidently forecasted potential Ballon d'Or triumphs for two of Real Madrid's prominent players.

The ex-Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker has envisioned a scenario where, over the course of the next five years, the Ballon d'Or rankings could prominently feature talents hailing from the Spanish capital club.

Expressing his belief, the 45-year-old has highlighted Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as strong contenders capable of securing the highly coveted individual accolade in the realm of football excellence.

"The young players I think will win the Ballon d'Or in the next 5 years? Bellingham and Vinicius Junior," Didier Drogba told Zack Nani, as cited by Tribuna.

Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or upload telling videos ahead of Erling Haaland 2023 duel

Football

Bellingham's recent stellar performances have already positioned the 20-year-old Englishman as a promising contender for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

Bellingham's Ballon d'Or shout

Since his arrival at Madrid during the summer transfer window, Bellingham has swiftly ascended to cult hero status, solidifying his potential candidacy for the 2024 accolade.

According to Transfermarkt, Jude has impressively secured a double-digit goal tally (11 goals) across all competitions for Los Blancos, even matching the formidable goal-scoring records previously set by the esteemed club legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Further bolstering Didier Drogba's assertion, the young attacking midfielder could commence his trajectory towards securing significant individual honours, starting with this year's Golden Boy Awards.

Bellingham, alongside Jamal Musiala, is currently considered a frontrunner for the coveted title of the best player under the age of 21.

Vinicius' Ballon d'Or trajectory

While the spotlight has predominantly focused on Bellingham this season, Vinicius Jr. is also emerging as a formidable candidate for future Ballon d'Or recognition, highlighting the burgeoning talent within the Real Madrid ranks.

Wholesome moment Lionel Messi bragged to his eldest son about winning 7 Ballon d'Ors: Video

Football

The Brazilian reached 44 goal contributions (23 goals and 21 assists) across all competitions last season, and should he replicate his form from the last campaign, it will be implausible not to see him on the podium in the coming years.

Bellingham tipped for Messi-like greatness

In what has been a remarkable season for both his club and national team, Bellingham has become the centre of attention since his notable move to Real Madrid in the summer.

The young talent's exceptional performances have earned praise from former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi, who hailed Bellingham's world-class abilities and envisioned his potential to reach the heights of Lionel Messi, as reported by Sports Brief.