Jude Bellingham continues to impress with his remarkable rise in the football world. In England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, Bellingham scored the winning goal, solidifying his status as a player who “writes his own scripts,” according to manager Gareth Southgate. At just 20 years old, Bellingham is the first European player to appear in three major international tournaments before turning 21. He has also scored in two of these tournaments, including a goal against Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
Bellingham’s composure and leadership qualities have caught the attention of pundits and former players. BBC pundit Micah Richards praised Bellingham’s ability to take control of the game and acknowledged him as the leader of the team at such a young age. If Bellingham can maintain his form throughout the tournament, he could become the player England relies on for success.
After a successful season with Real Madrid, where he won the Spanish title and Champions League, Bellingham is now a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. If England triumphs in Euro 2024, Bellingham’s chances of winning the prestigious award will only increase.
Bellingham’s journey started in Stourbridge, where he began playing football at a young age. His talent quickly became evident, and he joined Birmingham City’s academy at just seven years old. Coaches recognized his potential and molded him into a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions. His impact was so significant that Birmingham retired his number 22 shirt, a gesture usually reserved for club legends.
At the age of 17, Bellingham made the move to Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He immediately impressed with his confidence and willingness to compete in every duel. While initially playing as a defensive midfielder, Bellingham eventually transitioned into a box-to-box role. He achieved remarkable success during his three years at Dortmund, becoming their youngest-ever captain and winning the Bundesliga’s player of the season award.
In a surprising move, Bellingham joined Real Madrid last summer for a staggering fee of £88.5m. However, he quickly proved his worth by becoming their top scorer and assist provider. Playing in a more advanced role as a number 10 or center forward, Bellingham scored 23 goals and created 11 assists in 39 games. His crucial goals against Barcelona in El Clasico further solidified his status as one of the world’s best players.
Now, at just 20 years old, Bellingham has established himself as one of England’s key players. His maturity and physical attributes have garnered praise from teammates and opponents alike. He has already represented England in the delayed Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and now Euro 2024. With two goals in major tournaments, Bellingham is following in the footsteps of legendary English player Michael Owen.
Bellingham’s determination and belief make him a crucial asset to England’s team. His ability to be in the right place at the right time gives his teammates confidence when crossing the ball. As he continues to shine on the international stage, Bellingham’s future looks incredibly bright. With his exceptional performances for club and country, it seems only a matter of time before he achieves even greater success.