Toni Kroos says Jude Bellingham can be the world’s best midfielder at his peak after the Real Madrid star’s impressive 2026 campaign

Former Germany international Toni Kroos has backed Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham to be the best midfielder in the world when the England international is performing at his highest level, praising the 23-year-old’s all-round qualities and potential.

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Kroos made the assessment while discussing Bellingham on his programme with his brother Felix, where former England defender Rio Ferdinand also joined the conversation.

The retired Real Madrid midfielder said Bellingham’s combination of technical ability, physical strength and versatility makes him one of the most complete midfielders in the game.

“For me, Bellingham is one of the most complete midfielders in the world, and if he is at his best, I think he is the best midfielder in the world, or he could be the best,” Kroos said.

The endorsement carries particular weight because Kroos played alongside Bellingham during his final season at Real Madrid before retiring from professional football in 2024.

Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and quickly established himself as a key figure at the Spanish club.

His ability to contribute in different areas of midfield has allowed him to operate both as a creative presence and a goal threat.

Kroos’s assessment also comes after a remarkable 2026 campaign for Bellingham with England.

The midfielder scored seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing third in the tournament’s scoring standings behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. FIFA officially listed Bellingham as the winner of the Bronze Boot after his seven-goal campaign.

His World Cup campaign also produced an important piece of English football history.

Bellingham became the first England men’s player to score seven goals at a single major tournament. His seventh goal came in the 6-4 third-place victory over France, setting a new record for an England player at a World Cup or European Championship.

The achievement helped Bellingham earn recognition from England supporters, who voted him the England Men’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Reuters reported that Bellingham’s award followed his record-breaking World Cup, in which England finished third, their best World Cup result since 1966.

Bellingham’s influence has also continued at international level beyond the World Cup.

In October, he played a prominent role in England’s 7-0 Nations League victory over Croatia, scoring once and providing three assists as Thomas Tuchel’s side produced one of their most emphatic performances of the campaign.

The performance underlined the range of Bellingham’s game. Beyond scoring, he was heavily involved in England’s attacking build-up and created opportunities for his teammates.

His current form has strengthened the argument that Bellingham is developing into one of the defining midfielders of his generation.

Kroos, however, framed his assessment around Bellingham reaching his maximum level rather than presenting the claim as an undisputed fact.

“If he is at his best, I think he is the best midfielder in the world, or he could be the best,” the former Germany star said.

That distinction is significant given that the midfielder has also faced criticism in England despite his strong record for club and country.

Kroos suggested that players can sometimes face particularly intense scrutiny when representing their home country, an observation that reflects the expectations surrounding Bellingham as one of England’s most prominent footballers.

At Real Madrid, Bellingham remains part of a squad containing some of the biggest names in world football.

The club’s official statistics show that he has continued to contribute goals and assists during the 2026/27 campaign.

The England international’s rise has been rapid since leaving Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund as a teenager before completing his move to Real Madrid.

His development has also been marked by major individual recognition, including the Golden Boy award, the Kopa Trophy and selection in the FIFPro World XI, according to his Real Madrid profile.

For Kroos, who spent years operating at the highest level of European football, Bellingham’s combination of physical presence, technical quality and attacking influence provides the foundation for an even higher ceiling.

The praise also adds to the growing recognition Bellingham has received following his record-breaking World Cup and continued importance to England.

With the 2026/27 season still unfolding, the focus will now be on whether Bellingham can sustain that level of performance for Real Madrid and England.

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Kroos has already made his view clear: when Bellingham reaches his best, the former Real Madrid midfielder believes there may be no better player in the position.