Why Real Madrid Has Fallen in Love With a 20-Year-Old Englishman

Real Madrid’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium was meant to be a joyous occasion for fans, but as the match against Getafe unfolded, they found themselves in a 1-1 draw. However, a late-game hero emerged in the form of Jude Bellingham.

In the dying moments of added time, Bellingham seized an opportunity, capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper David Soria. He poked the ball into the net, securing Real Madrid’s fourth consecutive victory and earning his reputation as a late-match saviour for the second time in a row.

As the 20-year-old celebrated amidst a thunderous roar from the crowd, it felt like he belonged at the Bernabéu. He stood with outstretched arms, kissed the club’s crest on his shirt, and pointed to the sky. The fans serenaded him with a rendition of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”

In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Bellingham expressed his awe at the overwhelming cheers, describing it as the loudest he had ever heard on a football pitch. He couldn’t believe it, and the moment gave him goosebumps.

Jude Bellingham’s impact in Real Madrid’s iconic white shirt has been swift and remarkable. In just four La Liga games, he has already scored five goals, making him the league’s top scorer. Bellingham now joins the ranks of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo as the only Real Madrid player in history to score in their first four La Liga games.

For his stellar contributions to Madrid’s perfect start to the season, Bellingham was named La Liga’s Player of the Month for August, marking an exceptional debut month in the competition.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti noted Bellingham’s seamless integration into the team, further evidenced by his holiday with fellow young players Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, as seen on social media.

Bellingham signed with Real Madrid in June for €103 million ($110.4 million), with additional fees, and the expectations were immense for the talented young attacking midfielder. Known for his well-rounded skills, maturity, and leadership qualities, Bellingham had already made history as the youngest-ever Bundesliga captain while at Borussia Dortmund, captaining the team at just 19 years old.

His choice of the No. 5 shirt, in honour of legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane, only heightened expectations. So far, Bellingham is living up to the hype, becoming a vital player for Real Madrid. Remove his goal involvements this season (goals and assists), and Real Madrid would have seven fewer points, languishing in the lower half of the table.

Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s abilities, highlighting his versatility, pace, and intensity on the field. Bellingham’s movement off the ball sets him apart from other midfielders in the team.

For Bellingham, the Santiago Bernabéu holds a special place in his heart, as he referred to it as “a place like no other” on social media after his match-winning goal. It has become his home.