The Real Madrid midfielder, 20, has lit up the Bernabeu club in his debut season – with 23 goals so far to help them lift the Spanish title and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

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Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win world football’s top individual honour while at Liverpool in 2001.

Bellingham’s big rival for the award is Brazilian club-mate Vinicius Junior.

And ex-Real star Bale reckons this summer’s Euros and Copa America will decide who comes out on top.

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, said: “Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy.

“The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there’s a lot to play for because winning the Ballon d’Or you need to win team trophies – like Lionel Messi did a couple of years ago.

“Obviously there’s a lot to prove but Bellingham has done a lot of the hard work already.

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“He’s slotted in really well and had a fantastic first season.

“He’s won the league and to be able to win a Champions League in your first season – obviously from personal experience it is a great thing to have – gives you that platform to keep pushing on.

“It’s a very nice club to be at and hopefully they can get another win and keep cementing their title as the kings of Europe.

“To keep doing it year in and year out is a special skill.”

Gareth Southgate named Bellingham on Tuesday in his 33-player provisional Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.

First though, the ex-Birmingham ace, who joined Real from Dortmund in a £115million deal last summer, aims to land the club’s 15th European Cup at Wembley on Saturday week when Bale will be cheering on his old side.

The Wales legend, 34, joined Real from Tottenham in what was then a world record £86m transfer 11 years ago and won the Champions League at the end of his first season in Spain.

But, speaking at a Mastercard event to launch the Pledge Ball – a football made from recycled boots and engraved with pledges by the football community to promote sustainability – Bale also admitted that Bellingham’s instant impact under Carlo Ancelotti has taken even him by surprise.

He added: “I don’t think anyone expected it. His record in the past did not suggest he could score that many goals.

“But he’s probably playing in a more advanced role in Madrid and the team is a lot younger. The environment is more comfortable.”

Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia Valk

By Jon Boon

LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.

The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.

Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.

From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.

Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.

She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.

It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!

Find out more about Laura.

Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.