Jude Bellingham: 6 Things to Know
Borussia Dortmund have earned a reputation as one of Europe’s top destinations for young footballers. Players like Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland saw their popularity skyrocket following their debuts with the Black and Yellow. Similarly, Jude Bellingham’s popularity has skyrocketed since joining Dortmund in July. The English midfielder has proven to be fantastic addition to the squad. Here are 6 things to know about Jude Bellingham:
1. Jude Bellingham is friends with Jadon Sancho
Unsurprisingly, the English duo have developed strong chemistry since Bellingham’s arrival in July. Just 17 at the time, Jude Bellingham cherished the support his fellow Englishman provided. Moving to a new a country at 17 can be a challenge, but Sancho’s identical experiences enabled him to act as Bellingham’s de facto older brother. The pair clearly have a unique connection reflected by their chemistry on the pitch.
2. Bellingham was a hot target across Europe
While he wasn’t necessarily a household name, Jude Bellingham certainly caught the attention of several prominent clubs across Europe. By March of 2019, FourFourTwo featured him in their “50 Most Exciting Teenagers in English Football.” In addition to Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United listed Bellingham as one of their top targets to sign in 2020.
3. One of EFL’s Best
At the 2020 English Football League awards, Jude Bellingham earned both Young Player of the Season and Championship Apprentice of the Year. His relentless work ethic and remarkable skills set him apart from his competitors, paving the way for him to take his talents to the top level of European Football.
4. Jude Bellingham’s EFL number retired
In addition to his EFL awards, Bellingham’s kit number for Birmingham City, 22, was retired. His contributions to Birmingham serve as inspiration for future generations of footballers.
5. Jude Bellingham sets records
Bellingham has set a plethora of records on his journey to the top. On August 16, 2019, Bellingham set the record as the youngest first team player for Birmingham City. Similarly, he became the most expensive 17-year-old ever upon signing with Dortmund. Finally, on October 20, 2020, he became the youngest Englishman to start a Champions League match.
6. Bellingham prefers the midfield
While Jude Bellingham may look like a veteran midfielder on the pitch, he actually started as a left-winger for Birmingham City. His technical ability served him well on the wing, but after moving to the middle of the pitch, his confidence skyrocketed along with is success on the pitch. He certainly has the skills to play outside the midfield, but he’s made the midfield his home on the pitch.
A 2019 graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Ryan is an aspiring sports writer with a profound passion for the Black and Yellow. On match day, Ryan can likely be seen draped in Dortmund’s colors, perennially pacing the living room of his Ann Arbor apartment. He dreams of one day watching a match from world football’s largest and most impressive standing terrace, The Yellow Wall.
