Barcelona Star Pedri Hails ‘Really Incredible’ Jude Bellingham

Ballon d’Or Nominations Bring El Clasico Rivals Together

In the world of football, certain rivalries feel eternal — Barcelona versus Real Madrid, Camp Nou versus the Bernabéu, Blaugrana versus Blancos. Yet every so often, the game reminds us that admiration can cross even the fiercest divides. This week, Barcelona star Pedri proved just that, offering heartfelt praise to his El Clasico rival Jude Bellingham after both found themselves nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

It’s a rare moment when two of the brightest young midfielders in world football, separated by club colours but united by excellence, share the spotlight. Both just 22 years old, both already cornerstones for club and country, and both now officially in the running for the most prestigious individual award in the sport.

The Announcement That Set the Stage

The 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or dropped earlier this week, and it was a list brimming with talent from across Europe. For Pedri, the nomination comes as recognition for a stellar 2024-25 season in which he helped lead Barcelona to a domestic double — a La Liga title and Copa del Rey triumph. His vision, composure, and near-telepathic link-up with his teammates made him indispensable.

Bellingham, meanwhile, enjoyed another strong campaign at Real Madrid, delivering nine goals and nine assists in La Liga while commanding the midfield with a maturity beyond his years. His ability to combine physical dominance with silky technical skills continues to set him apart in an era full of elite midfielders.

The award winner will be revealed on September 22, and while neither player is the favourite this year, their inclusion in the conversation marks yet another milestone in their already glittering young careers.

Pedri’s Words: Respect Beyond Rivalry

Speaking to France Football, with quotes later carried by Mundo Deportivo, Pedri’s admiration for his rivals was strikingly genuine:

“Real Madrid have a lot of very good players. When Kylian Mbappé has the ball and is in a one-on-one, it is very difficult to stop him. And Jude Bellingham is really incredible. He combines physical strength with technical ability, which makes facing him extremely difficult.”

For fans who live and breathe El Clasico tension, hearing a Barcelona player speak so warmly about a Real Madrid star may seem almost surreal. But Pedri’s comments carry the tone of a player who respects the game above all — someone who understands that greatness deserves recognition, no matter what shirt the other man is wearing.

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The Bigger Picture: Dembele the Favourite

Despite the plaudits, neither Pedri nor Bellingham is expected to lift the Ballon d’Or this year. The bookmakers’ favourite is Ousmane Dembélé, the former Barcelona winger who has been in electric form since moving to Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman was pivotal in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, helping them secure Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.

Still, for Pedri and Bellingham, this year’s nomination isn’t just about winning — it’s about cementing themselves among the game’s very best, year after year. And if their careers to date are any indication, this won’t be the last time we see their names on the shortlist.

Two Journeys, One Stage

Pedri’s rise has been swift but steady. From his early days at Las Palmas to becoming Barcelona’s midfield heartbeat, he has carried himself with a calm assurance. Injuries have occasionally interrupted his momentum, but when fit, he is the kind of player who controls games without breaking a sweat.

Bellingham’s path, on the other hand, has been more of a whirlwind. From Birmingham City’s academy to Borussia Dortmund’s bright lights, and then to Real Madrid, his development has been accelerated by a fearlessness that belies his age. At the Bernabéu, he hasn’t just fit in — he has thrived, becoming a symbol of the club’s next generation.

The El Clasico Dynamic

It’s hard to understate what it means for players from these two clubs to acknowledge each other publicly in such glowing terms. El Clasico isn’t just a match — it’s a cultural event, a rivalry that defines careers. Pedri and Bellingham have already faced off multiple times in these high-pressure fixtures, each leaving their mark.

For fans, Pedri’s praise is a reminder that while rivalries may fuel passion, mutual respect often runs deeper than we realise. The intensity on the pitch doesn’t erase the admiration for a peer’s craft.

Looking Ahead: The New Season

For Barcelona, the focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Serie A side Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy — the traditional curtain-raiser before the La Liga season begins. Their league campaign kicks off against Mallorca, where Pedri will be expected to pull the strings in midfield once again.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are set to face WSG Tirol in Austria before opening their La Liga account against Osasuna. For Bellingham, it’s another chance to continue building his legacy in Spain and to prove that last season’s impact was no fluke.

What Makes “Really Incredible” Mean More

When Pedri calls Bellingham “really incredible,” it’s not just polite sportsmanship. It’s the acknowledgment of a specific, hard-to-contain skillset:

• Physical Dominance – Bellingham’s ability to outmuscle opponents in midfield duels while still having the agility to glide past them.

• Technical Precision – Whether it’s threading a pass through the tightest gap or curling a shot into the corner, his execution is consistently elite.

• Game Intelligence – At 22, his decision-making rivals that of seasoned veterans, knowing when to hold the ball, when to drive forward, and when to release a teammate.

For Pedri, who has faced him directly, these qualities aren’t theoretical — they’re lived experiences on the pitch.

Mutual Inspiration

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What’s fascinating is how players like Pedri and Bellingham push each other forward. In many ways, their careers are parallel lines running through the same footballing era. They’re not just competing for trophies; they’re raising the bar for what it means to be a modern midfielder.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist is simply the latest chapter in their shared story. Whether in Spain’s capital or Catalonia’s heart, both players represent a generational shift — footballers who blend technique, athleticism, and tactical intelligence at the highest level.

Final Whistle Thoughts

Barcelona star Pedri hails ‘really incredible’ Jude Bellingham might read like a simple headline, but behind it lies a deeper truth about the modern game. Rivalries still matter, but so does recognition.

On September 22, when the Ballon d’Or winner is finally crowned, the spotlight will likely shine elsewhere. But for Pedri and Bellingham, the nomination itself is a statement: they belong among the very best. And if their trajectories continue as they have, it’s only a matter of time before one — or both — stands on that stage with the golden ball in hand.

Until then, fans can look forward to their next El Clasico clash, where admiration will be put on hold for 90 minutes, replaced by the fire and fury that makes this rivalry the greatest in world football.