Jude Bellingham’s first year at Real Madrid has been nothing short of impressive, with the midfielder scoring 19 league goals and four in Europe on the way to the Champions League final. As Madrid aims to secure a fifth La Liga and Champions League double, Bellingham will face his former team Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley. The 20-year-old was named La Liga’s player of the season, showcasing his talents and making an impact on the field.
Arriving at Madrid last summer, Bellingham expressed his admiration for Zinedine Zidane and even donned the Frenchman’s number five shirt. Coach Carlo Ancelotti placed him in a new role following Benzema’s departure, which saw Bellingham excel by scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games. His performance earned him the admiration of Madrid fans, who serenaded him with the Beatles song ‘Hey Jude’. Bellingham also scored crucial goals in key moments, such as in the Clasico against Barcelona.
Although his goalscoring slowed down as he took on more defensive responsibilities, Bellingham continued to deliver valuable contributions to the team. Despite concerns about his fitness after an ankle injury towards the end of the season, he feels close to being at full strength after resting post-title win. Coming from Birmingham City and making a name for himself at Dortmund, Bellingham’s journey to Real Madrid has been marked by growth and success.
Bellingham’s maturity and talent were evident during the 2022 World Cup, where he played a key role in England’s quarterfinal run. After losing the Bundesliga title race with Dortmund to Bayern Munich, Bellingham made a record-breaking move to Madrid for 103 million euros. His former teammates praised his growth and success while staying focused on their own goals. With Madrid as firm favorites in the Champions League final, Bellingham’s eyes are set on the European Championship and potential future successes.
As Bellingham continues to make a mark at Real Madrid, his journey from a young talent to a world-class midfielder serves as an inspiration to aspiring players. With his impressive performances and contributions on the field, Bellingham has proven himself as a valuable asset to both club and country. The final against Dortmund presents an opportunity for Bellingham to showcase his skills on a grand stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of football’s rising stars. As he looks towards future challenges, Bellingham remains focused and determined to achieve greater success in his career.