Former England captain John Terry has likened Jude Bellingham to France legend Zinedine Zidane, praising the midfielder's leadership and influence as England booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the FIFA Podcast on Monday, Terry said Bellingham has been the driving force behind England’s campaign, comparing his impact to Zidane’s inspirational performances during France’s 1998 World Cup-winning run and their journey to the 2006 final.
“I said at the start of this World Cup, he reminds me of Zidane. He’s dragging this team through at the moment. I think he’s world class. Also, you listen to him off the pitch, he’s got a real calmness about him as well,” Terry said.
Bellingham has been England’s standout performer in the knockout rounds, scoring four goals. He netted twice in the 3-2 Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico before producing another brace in the quarter-final win over Norway.
Former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva echoed Terry’s sentiments, saying Bellingham has consistently risen to the occasion when it matters most.
“In these big matches, that’s when you need your big players to step up, and he has shown that over the past two years, before with Real Madrid and now in the World Cup,” Silva said.
