WORLD CUP 2026: BELLINGHAM REMINDS ME OF ZIDANE — JOHN TERRY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Former England captain John Terry has compared Jude Bellingham to French football legend Zinedine Zidane, praising the midfielder’s influential performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the FIFA Podcast on Monday, Terry described Bellingham as the driving force behind England’s march to the tournament’s semi-finals, saying the Real Madrid star has displayed the same match-winning qualities that defined Zidane during France’s 1998 World Cup triumph and their run to the 2006 final.
“I said at the start of this World Cup that he reminds me of Zidane. He’s carrying this team at the moment. I think he’s world-class. Even off the pitch, he speaks with great composure and maturity,” Terry said.
Bellingham has been one of England’s standout performers, scoring four goals in the knockout stages. He netted twice in the 3-2 round-of-16 victory over co-hosts Mexico City before adding another brace in the quarter-final win against Norway.
Former Brazil international Gilberto Silva also endorsed the comparison, saying Bellingham has consistently risen to the occasion in high-pressure matches.
“In big games, you expect your top players to deliver, and Jude has done that consistently over the past two years, first with Real Madrid and now for England at the World Cup,” Silva said.
“I believe there’s still much more to come from him. The comparison with Zidane is justified.”
Bellingham’s double against Norway also saw him become the first midfielder to score six goals at a FIFA World Cup.
England will now take on defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals, but Terry remains optimistic about his country’s chances.
“I’m not worried about Argentina, to be honest. I don’t think they’re better than us. Man for man, I believe England have the stronger team.
“What I like about this England side is that we’ve come through big moments. We’ve got a very good squad, and it feels like everything is falling into place. It feels like England’s time,” he said.
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