Jude Bellingham has privately shared his belief that his Real Madrid teammate and Turkey’s young sensation, Arda Guler, could be even better than him. The England international revealed this during a conversation with Massimo Franchi. The creator of the Golden Boy award, when Bellingham received the prestigious trophy in 2023. Franchi recently disclosed Bellingham’s admiration for Guler, who is now making waves at Euro 2024.
Guler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe for €20 million last summer. Was instrumental in Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup and Champions League triumphs last season. However, it is during Euro 2024 that the Turkish international has truly shone. Bellingham’s praise highlights Guler’s potential, with the English star noting his remarkable skills in training.
“Jude told me in December last year that Real Madrid had a fantastic young player who is perhaps even a little bit better than him,” Franchi revealed. “Turkey’s Arda Guler, who scored an amazing goal against Georgia. According to Bellingham, he was doing incredible things in training and Guler was only 19 at the time.”
Guler scored a stunning goal in Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia, making him the youngest goalscorer for a debutant in the Euros. He earned the Man of the Match award for his performance. Although he played only 20 minutes in Turkey’s subsequent 3-0 defeat to Portugal, his talent has left a lasting impression. Fans eagerly anticipate his appearance in Turkey’s upcoming match against the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
The Golden Boy award, given to the best player under 21 in Europe’s top leagues, considers sporting performance. Playing time, club size, and contributions in national teams and European competitions. Bellingham, who won the award in December 2023, joined an elite list of previous winners, including Gavi, Pedri, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and Kylian Mbappé.
Guler, with six goals in 12 appearances for Madrid, is not the only young talent catching attention at the Euros. Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal has also impressed, with Franchi noting, “His record debut in a European Championship against Croatia, at the age of 16 years and 338 days, confirms all the expectations placed on him. He is simply a player without limits.”
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