During the 2022-2023 season much was talked about the prodigy kid Jude Bellingham and his way out of Borussia Dortmund was quite certain. As the months passed Real Madrid proved that was the club which was ready to do more to bring him in the team, thus overpowering other top clubs which wanted his services. So, he became our new player in mid-June. One of the biggest talents in world football, the midfielder arrived at Madrid after being voted the best player in the Bundesliga 2022/23. The 19-year-old is already a regular starter in the England national team.
Bellingham joins Carlo Ancelotti's squad after three seasons in Germany. In the most recent of these, he recorded his best campaign for Borussia Dortmund in terms of goals (14 goals in all competitions). He scored on his debut for the German side in September 2020 and became the youngest player to score in the club's history (17 years and 77 days). That season he started the match that Borussia Dortmund won in the German Cup final.
National team: Following his senior international debut in November 2020, Bellingham was called up to represent England at Euro 2020, where they finished runners-up in the tournament. He also played in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was on the scoresheet.
Early career: Prior to his move to Germany, Bellingham came through the youth system at Birmingham City. He became the youngest player in the club's history to make his debut (16 years and 38 days) and score (16 years and 63 days) in August 2019. After his departure from the English club in July 2020, Birmingham announced that they would retire the number 22 shirt in his honour. His palmares includes a German Cup won in 2021 and of course Real Madrid will make sure to make his list definitely richer.
Career
-Birmingham City youth teams
-Birmingham City (2019-20)
-Borussia Dortmund (2020-23)
-Real Madrid (2023- )
Jude Bellingham’s unveiling event as a new Real Madrid player took place at Real Madrid City and kicked off with the screening of a video with the best images of the English midfielder. Afterwards, club president Florentino Pérez addressed the audience: "It is one of those days when we should feel very proud, because one of the best players in the world has come to Real Madrid. And he is here with us because he has chosen to be here. He could have chosen to go to any of the big clubs that wanted to sign a player of his quality, but he decided that his story had to lead him to the most prestigious club in world football. You are only 19 years old and you have already become one of those players that all football fans want to see in a football stadium."
He continued: "This is the moment you have been dreaming about for so long. I know how hard you have worked to be a part of the club with 14 European Cups. You are going to experience feelings that are only within the reach of the chosen ones and here we will try to make you happy so that you can achieve everything you have yet to win. You are ready for these challenges. But never forget that, with this badge and this shirt, nothing will be impossible for you. Thank you for becoming a madridista and for having the ambition to continue making your own history at this club, which is the most loved and admired, but also the most demanding in the world."
Real Madrid values: "From this moment on, the values that identify us and help us to achieve the seemingly impossible for many will stay with you forever. I am sure you will fall in love with Real Madrid, like so many millions of children, watching how they have won the five Champions League trophies in the last 10 years. In those unforgettable matches, in those spectacular comebacks, in those magnificent finals, all our values are to be found. Hard work, self-improvement, camaraderie, respect, humility, solidarity and something that characterises us and for us is an attitude towards life: at Real Madrid we never give up."
Bellingham happily expresses his thoughts on joining Real: “This is the most important day of my life because I'm joining the biggest club in the world. Thanks to everyone who made it possible: Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, the president of Real Madrid, Juni Calafat, José Ángel Sánchez and my family for all their support. Hala Madrid!”
Before the presentation ceremony, Jude Bellingham signed his contract in the boardroom at Real Madrid City, accompanied by club president Florentino Pérez. After the signing, he was presented with a watch, a replica of the Santiago Bernabéu and a shirt bearing his name and the number 5.
Following his unveiling as a new Real Madrid player, Jude Bellingham appeared before the media in the press room at Real Madrid City. The English midfielder said: "Real Madrid is the greatest club in history and there aren't many players who get to play for such a magnificent and historic club. I'm very grateful to those who brought me here. I don't think about money when I make these kinds of decisions. It's not important to me. It's the sport I love and I love the feeling at Real Madrid and how I feel about the club. For me Real Madrid is the greatest club and I wanted everything to happen quickly. It doesn't mean that the other teams are bad, but that Real Madrid is the greatest."
Why did you choose Real Madrid? "The respect in England for Real Madrid is extraordinary and the pedigree in Europe is really important. It comes a little bit from all of that. I've seen games from other seasons and the achievements they've made. It makes Madrid very appealing. It has the greatest history in the world and the players have contributed to making it the best team in the world."
"I've always watched Real Madrid games and I didn't just come here because of the size of the club. They're very big, but the vision of the game and the team is extraordinary. It's a very attractive team and one that you always want to join. The idea of the way they play is extraordinary and exciting. It's a great opportunity that I couldn't turn down”, he added.
When did you decide to come to Madrid? "I don't remember when they came to my house, but that was the turning point. There have been many things that have influenced my decision to come to this club. It's a combination of things. My father told me that Madrid had asked for me 8 or 10 months ago and my heart jumped. I didn't expect it and it's an extraordinary feeling."
His new number: "I'd like to thank Vallejo for giving me the 5. I have spoken to him and he's a great guy. He's a wonderful guy. I really admire Zidane and the legacy he has at this club with the number 5. It's a number that inspires me. I've worn 22 for a long time and in my heart I'll continue to wear 22. I'm delighted to wear the number 5. The shirt in itself is a big responsibility. Zidane is a player I've always valued and always loved. For me he has been the best and I want to extend the legacy of the number more than try to match what he has been."
His admiration for Zidane: "I didn't want to bother him too much by asking to wear his number. We haven't been in touch since the Champions League final. It's a great honour to follow in his footsteps and wear his number. I respect him a lot. He's been extraordinary with me and my family."
Ancelotti: "I've spoken to him and he's an incredible coach. The trophies he's won speak for themselves. I'm looking forward to being with him and I'm delighted that he wants me in his team. It’s an incredible opportunity to work under one of the best coaches in the world."
Playing in midfield with Kroos and Modrić: "It's a valuable experience for my career. They are both incredible players and their vision and experience is going to be extraordinary for me. I'm going to try to learn as much as I can and try to stick with them for the first few weeks. I hope it doesn't bother them. The combination of experience and youth is extraordinary. We have an extraordinary team and they're not only great players but also top people. I can't wait to get started."
His family: "My dad was crying and he doesn't do that very often so I think it's a very special moment for him. I love how proud they are and I really appreciate it. The deal happened because of my family and it's unbelievable the respect the club has shown for my family. They haven't tried to manipulate us and they have treated them very well. That's why they're so happy and being here means so much to us."
Pressure of playing at Real Madrid: "I've come to a very big club and I am very professional. When you are 15 or 16 years old and you play with adults you have to learn quickly. I know how important this responsibility is and I hope I can continue to perform well here. I know the expectations placed on my shoulders and every year I continue to improve. I know the level I have to be at and the level I have to give. The World Cup was a fast learning experience and I want to come here, win and develop my way of playing and my style."
"The pressure has followed me everywhere and the expectations on me have always remained high. I hope my experience will help me to deal with this pressure. I'm always learning and I don't think I'll have any problems. The transfer fee doesn't worry me too much and I don't even know about it. I just want to help Madrid to be the greatest and I have to do my talking on the pitch because I'm not an accountant or a lawyer."
How would you define yourself as a player? "I'm a midfielder who can do everything. An all-round midfielder. I have a wide range of abilities and I hope to be able to display that at Madrid. I'll always try to help the team and contribute to the club's success."
What has surprised you most about Real Madrid's facilities? "Probably the trophy room was the most impressive thing for me. All 14 Champions League trophies are there and you just want to pick one up.”
Premier League: "Everyone in the national team always wanted me back in England and I appreciate that, but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. The easiest thing would've been to go back there, but coming to a club the size of Madrid is an opportunity that I had to take. It's the right move for me because Madrid are the club I wanted to be at and that's it."
England national team: "I'm going to gain a lot of experience from playing in Spain and it's different to when you've only played in England. The Premier league is different and I've spoken to different team-mates. I've had a lot of support. Several of them have wished me luck."
Harry Kane: "He's my captain and a world-class player. I love him as a player and as a person. Whatever happens, happens. I have nothing to say about that."
Mbappé: "I can't comment on that. He's one of the best in the world in his position. We'll see what happens. I've seen what has been said on the internet and not everything we see is true. I'm trying to form my own opinion. He's a great player and I'd love to play with him. Who wouldn't?"
Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, accompanied Bellingham at the press conference and expressed his joy: “You have chosen Real Madrid to develop as one of the best players in the world. We are very grateful and very delighted. We will do everything we can to make sure that you and your family are very happy in this new stage of your career. You are now a Real Madrid player. Many congratulations and our best wishes for you to fulfil all your wishes with this badge and this shirt. Welcome to Real Madrid.
After the presentation ceremony and press conference, the English footballer donned the madridista kit, posing for photos at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. Jude Bellingham will be wearing the Real Madrid shirt for the next 6 years.
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