Bayern Munich wonderkid praises Real Madrid rising star ahead of UCL showdown | OneFootball

Real Madrid will lock horns with Bayern Munich next week in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the Allianz Arena.

It will be a battle of two heavyweight clubs in Europe, which will also pit two of the most exciting young midfielders against each other in the form of Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala.

Bellingham and Musiala know each other well, having spent time together with the England youth national teams before facing one another in the Bundesliga when the former was at Borussia Dortmund.

With the two players now set to come face-to-face next week, Musiala had word of praise for Bellingham, stressing how the Real Madrid star never shies away from a challenge.

“Jude and I were teammates for many years with the Young Lions (England youth team), played a few games together and we have been good friends ever since,” Musiala told SportBILD (h/t AS).

“I’m happy that things are going so well for him. He’s very confident about himself and does not shy away from big challenges,” the German international added.

Bellingham has had an exceptional start at Real Madrid. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus)

Further heaping praise for the explosive start Bellingham made at Real Madrid this season, Musiala remarked:

“Of course, Bellingham’s start with Real Madrid is not normal. Usually a new player in the team in another country has to adapt, but it did not surprise me much, because I know Jude’s mentality perfectly.”

Interestingly, Musiala has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for 2025, with his contract at Bayern Munich expiring in 2026.

While the rumours persist, the young German attacking midfielder shared his excitement about facing Los Blancos in the Champions League as well as the prospect of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’m really looking forward to the game against Real Madrid and the legendary Santiago Bernabeu. Two of the best teams in Europe will face each other. These are big games,” Musiala said.