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Joselu: “Bellingham is a future Ballon D’Or winner”
Real Madrid striker Joselu talked to AS during Spain’s training camp and shared his thoughts about the first few games of the season, including an early review on his teammate Jude Bellingham.
“He’s great, I talk to him a lot because I learn to speak English when I was in the Premier League. He’s a humble, hard-working kid who’s feeling what Real Madrid is all about already. He has the chance to win it all. He’s surprised everyone even inside our dressing room. Considering how young he is, he has time to win everything he chooses to, of course he can be a future Ballon D’Or winner,” said Joselu.
The striker was then asked about Kroos.
“Kroos should have won five Ballons D’Or! He’s an unbelievable player capable of changing every game, he’s one of those players who caught my attention here at Real Madrid, he never turns the ball over and he plays with such composure that makes him different, it’s such a joy to play with him,” he explained.
Joselu explained why he chose to wear number 14 and not number 9 when the latter was available.
“It’s really simple, I wanted 14 because it’s the number I made my debut for Celta with. I just don’t care much about the number thing, to be honest, what matters the most is to be a Real Madrid player and that’s a dream for me, I wear 14 which means that I’m in the first team and that’s what matters,” he said.
Joselu wrapped up his interview by explaining his feelings after making his home debut this past weekend.
“It was amazing, we went to see the stadium a few hours before the game, it was raining and the roof was closed. Some club employees were excited because they hadn’t seen anything like it, playing there as the home team will be great and it won’t be easy to play there as the away side. I got really excited when the fans in the Grada Blanca sang my name, I get goosebumps now that I remember that. I connected well with madridistas and I hope this can continue,” he said.
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World Cup 202610 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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