It certainly helps — Carlo Ancelotti refuses to credit hard work for Bellingham's talent

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had high praise for his star midfielder, Jude Bellingham; however, he believes the Englishman would not be the player he is without the lottery of genetics. 

Bellingham, merely 21, has played five seasons of senior football already, debuting at 16 for Birmingham. He has been on a steady but upward trajectory since becoming the star of one of the biggest clubs in the world, Real Madrid. 

Ancelotti admitted that Bellingham indeed works hard but claimed that his genetic gifts deserved credit for the player’s ability. 

“It was a surprise, but the merit is in his genetics.,” Ancelotti told reporters, per Goal. At only 21 years old he has shown character and great passion, and he also has genetics in his favour. 

“The champion is a champion because of his genetics; training certainly helps, but above all, it's about genetics.”

Meanwhile, Bellingham was one of the top performers in European football last season, and until recently he was billed as the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or, but the 21-year-old’s performances in the European Championship have put a damper on his chances of winning the award. 

Bellingham’s England woes, combined with two other factors, meant that the Real Madrid star could no longer be considered the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.