Jude Bellingham, donning the numbers 4, 8, and 10 at Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund, and possibly 11, 7, or 9 at Real Madrid, comes with a price tag of €103 million (£88.5 million), plus approximately €30 million in add-ons. He has signed a contract until 2029 and becomes the sixth Englishman to grace the Santiago Bernabéu, 16 years after the last one departed. With 176 appearances for his third national league, he has represented his country 24 times, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists in his three years in Germany. In the previous season, he notched up 482 double-handed victories, surpassing everyone else. His age, also 19, could be his most remarkable statistic.
Nineteen. A teenager becomes the second most expensive player in the history of the world’s most successful football club, signing an iconic and strategic contract.
On August 13th, Jude Bellingham made his dream debut for Real Madrid, scoring his second goal for the team in a triumphant 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the opening match of the Spanish league. Wearing the legendary Zinedine Zidane’s iconic number 5 jersey, Bellingham started the game. Meanwhile, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, the seasoned veterans whom he is rumored to succeed, watched from the substitutes’ bench at the San Mames stadium.
Crucial Role for Madrid:
Bellingham’s goal doubled Madrid’s lead in the 36th minute following an earlier goal by Rodrygo. The young talent from Borussia Dortmund, acquired by Real Madrid for a whopping €130 million transfer fee this summer, displayed flashes of finesse reminiscent of Zidane. His graceful dribble to evade three defenders and penetrate Bilbao’s territory in the second half demonstrated his potential impact.
Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Bellingham, stating, “Bellingham is truly unique. He has the motivation to play here. He’s fantastic, with a great personality, and he works hard. He is a crucial signing for us.”
Future Prospects:
The Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior may need all the support that Bellingham and Madrid’s midfield can provide. As a club with 14 Champions League titles, Madrid has yet to secure a world-class striker to replace Karim Benzema, especially since his move to Saudi Arabia. The club’s interest in Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain remains, but the addition of Bellingham brings exciting new dimensions to the team.
Jude Bellingham’s sensational debut for Real Madrid ignites the anticipation for an extraordinary season. With his opening goal and promising performance, the young midfielder is primed to make his mark as a vital asset for the team’s continued success.
