Jude Bellingham Biography: Childhood, career and achievements

One of the brightest minds and young talents in the history of English and world football, Jude Bellingham has grown from a boy playing in the EFL Championship to a man marshaling the Real Madrid midfield. Known for his maturity, composure, and leadership, Bellingham has grown beyond his age. In recent years, he has positioned himself as the present and the future of English football. 

Childhood and Early Life

Jude Victor William Bellingham was born in a market town in the West Midlands of England on June 29, 2003. The Stourbridge-born player had the game in his blood. His father, Mark Bellingham, was a non-league goalscorer whereas his mother was his foundational support. His mother, Denise, played a big role in driving him to sports training across the country. 

The player had an advanced understanding of the game at a very young age. He joined Birmingham City’s academy at the age of seven. He grew through the ranks, with coaches supporting his talent on the ball and work ethic. He started playing outside his age group at an early age. Growing up, Jude Bellingham idolized Zinedine Zidane and modeled himself along the same lines. By the age of 14, he was part of the club’s U-18 side. His physical maturity, combined with his technical skills, set him apart. What stood out most was his ability to read the game, break up play, and drive forward with composure.

Professional Career

Considering his early growth and advances in his career, Jude Bellingham was offered a two-year scholarship by Birmingham City in July 2019. He was part of pre-season friendlies and also the first-team training camp in Portugal. He was considered into the first-team squad for the 2019/20 season following his development. In August 2019, at the age of 16 years and 38 days old, he became Birmingham City’s youngest-ever first-team player. He broke the record previously held by legend Trevor Francis in the EFL Cup game against Portsmouth. He quickly established himself at the Blues, making 41 appearances in that season. 

The performances of the young English international performances sparked interest across Europe. The likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund tried to secure his signature, but it was Borussia Dortmund’s offer that stood out. The Germans not only presented an opportunity to take his global but also a clear path to first-team football. In July 2020, he signed a deal worth €30.1 million. It made him the most expensive 17-year-old in football history at the time.

At Signal Iduna Park, Bellingham’s development went from promising to elite. He broke several records at Borussia Dortmund. He became the youngest English player to start a Champions League match. His performances drew praise from teammates, managers, and pundits alike. His combination with Erling Haaland became too hot to handle for the opponents. Despite his short age, he wore the captain's armband, reflecting his growing leadership on and off the pitch.

It was at the start of the 2023/24 season that he added another star to his career. Real Madrid broke the bank to secure the services of the English midfielder. Los Banos went on to sign Bellingham in a deal worth €113 million. He became a part of a new generation of midfielders who would follow the suit of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. At Real Madrid, he made an instant impact with goals and assists galore. In his first season, he bagged 19 goals and six assists in the Spanish top flight. His composure, tactical understanding, and ability to control games made him a fan favorite.

On the other hand, he has even gone on to be successful at the international level. He made his senior debut for England in November 2020, becoming the third-youngest player ever to represent the national team. In Euro 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. In the quadrennial event, his partnership with Declan Rice and other midfielders provided England with a new level of balance and control. With Thomas Tuchel’s long-term faith in young players, Bellingham is now widely seen as a cornerstone of the national team’s future.

Achievements

Despite playing at the young age of 21 years, Jude Bellingham has amassed significant accolades at individual as well as team levels. He won the Borussia Dortmund Player of the Season in 2022/23. He was part of the Bundesliga Team of the Season as well as the La Liga Team of the Season in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Also, he has amassed a La Liga trophy and a Champions League title alongside some of the domestic trophies in Spain and Germany. One of the best achievements is that the player’s jersey was retired at Birmingham City after he was signed in a record deal.