Jude Bellingham is officially a Real Madrid player, inheriting the iconic number 5 shirt from no other than Zinedine Zidane. No pressure, kid.
Real Madrid unveiled their latest $110.4m signing at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium this afternoon. The transfer makes Bellingham the most expensive British player ever.
“I was at the final when Madrid beat Liverpool, that was a huge factor in my decision to join Real,” said Jude Bellingham after the presentation. “I’m joining the greatest club in the world and it’s not about money.”
Bellingham’s idol is the legendary Zinedine Zidane
While the 19-year-old midfielder is fond of the number 22, worn the past couple of seasons across Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund, he chose Zidane’s legendary number.
The Frenchman won six trophies as a Madrista, none more important than the 2001-02 Champions League in which he scored THAT volley. The player oozed balance and class, traits Bellingham possesses at a young age.
Jude wasn’t shy about expressing his passion and pride about inheriting Zizou’s number. The teenager does fit nicely in the new Real Madrid 23/24 home kit. He re-shared Real Madrid’s Zidane comparison post on Instagram.
“Hola Madridistas! It is the proudest day of my life to join the greatest club in the history of the game. I will give absolutely everything I have to help this team win,” added Bellingham on Twitter.
“Thank you for the amazing welcome. HALA MADRID!!!”
Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, and newcomer Bellingham, have officially stacked Real Madrid’s midfield. Can the Englishman become one of Los Blancos’ best midfielders ever? Best players ever? Stay tuned.
Photo: Twitter/@BellinghamJude