Ancelotti snubs Bellingham as world's best player in strange response to Mbappe question

Jacque Talbot

• 10 Feb 2024 21:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti omitted Jude Bellingham as his choice for best player in the world after being asked about the future of Kylian Mbappe.

The England international has been in superb form this season, with 20 goals and seven assists in 28 matches. The youngster has been labelled by some as the best player in the world today, but his head coach believes that another member of his side is the number one.

A reporter asked Ancelotti about Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this year, with his contract up in June.

After being asked about the superstar, the Italian coach replied by saying that Vinicius Jr is the word's best: “You keep asking me about a player who plays for another team”.

“We already have the best players in the world here. In order: Vini Jr first, Bellingham second, Rodrygo third. Then Kroos, Valverde, Camavinga…”.

Will Kylian Mbappe join Real Madrid?

It comes after La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed there's a "55-60 per cent" chance that the Spanish giants manage to lure Mbappe to the club.

The striker has still not agreed fresh terms with PSG so Real Madrid will be able to sign him on a free transfer when the summer window opens.

Speaking to Italian media, the La Liga chief explained: "I said [the chances] were around 50 per cent some weeks ago, now it's even more.

"55-60? Yes, I think so. Every day that passes and Mbappe does not sign the new contract with PSG, the percentage increases."

Mbappe has been linked with a move to Madrid before but opted to agree on a fresh deal with the French club over joining Real Madrid.

It’s not clear whether he will do the same this time around, however, as reports have suggested that there already is a deal in principle in place between the player and Los Blancos.