Jude Bellingham is one of the best players in the world. That’s a fact. This Real Madrid and England star has already made a name for himself on the world stage with his amazing skills and ability to score goals more times than we can count. How much do you know about this young football icon? Here’s some amazing facts to top up your trivia banks!

1. He was born in Stourbridge!

Jude was born on June 29, 2003, in Stourbridge, England. His full name is Jude Victor William Bellingham and attended Priory School in Edgbaston.

2. He joined Birmingham City’s academy when he was 8!

Bellingham began his youth career with Birmingham City, joining their academy when he was just 8. Football runs in the family, as his dad Mark – who worked for West Midlands Police – regularly scored goals in non-league football!

3. He made his professional debut when he was 16!

He made his professional debut for Birmingham City on August 4, 2019, in an EFL Cup match against Portsmouth, becoming the club’s youngest-ever first-team player at the age of 16. In 2019, he was featured in Four Four Two football magazine’s ’50 most exciting teenagers in English football’ list!

4. He signed for Borussia Dortmund when he was 17!

In July 2020, Bellingham transferred to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, signing a long-term contract with the German club. His transfer fee to Borussia Dortmund was reported to be one of the highest for a 17-year-old in football history. He made his debut in September 2020 and scored in a 5-0 win against MSV Duisburg!

5. He made his England senior debut in 2020!

Because he had an Irish grandparent, Jude was technically allowed to join the Irish team but chose England instead. He represented England at various youth levels before making his debut for the senior national team on November 12, 2020, in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

6. His brother is also a professional footballer!

His younger brother Jobe plays for Sunderland. Wearing the 7 shirt, he plays in midfield and attack. Like Jude, he started his career in Birmingham City’s youth team!

7. He joined Real Madrid in 2023!

Jude joined the Spanish giants in June for a fee of around £88 million! Imagine how many comics you could get for that!

8. He’s the youngest player to score in the Champions League!

November 24, 2020, when he scored for Borussia Dortmund against Club Brugge in a group-stage match. At the time, Bellingham was 17 years and 85 days old, 

9. He’s the second youngest English goalscorer in the World Cup!

Jude became the second youngest World Cup scorer for England when he hit the net against against Iran in 2022. He was 19 years and 145 days that day. Michael Owen is the youngest player, who scored aged 18 years and 190 days!

10. He’s the height of 186 Beano comics!

Jude is 6’1 in his socks! That’s 1.86m or 186 Beano comics high! No wonder he’s so good in the air!

11. He’s the third most valuable player in the world!

After Manchester City’s Erling Harland and PSG’s Kylian Mbappé, Jude is ranked the third most valuable player in football around the world – and is valued at almost £130 million pounds!

12. He won the Kopa trophy in 2023!

This award is presented to the best young player under the age of 21 and he’s the first English player to win the trophy!

13. ESPN thinks he’s the bee’s knees!

In the summer of 2023, sports network ESPN rated Jude as the number one central midfielder. He ranked higher than Manchester City’s Rodri, Barcelona’s Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan, and Real teammate Luka Modric! With his current form on the pitch, this doesn’t look like changing soon!

14. He was presented with the Golden Boy Award in 2023!

In November 2023, Jude added to his personal trophy cabinet when he was awarded the Golden Boy honour. The prize was founded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and is presented to the best young player in Europe. He can’t be stopped at this rate!

15. He does work for a charity too!

Not only is Jude a star on the pitch, he’s a hero off it too. He has helped create a school in Kenya through his work with the Mustard Seed Project. Thanks to his sponsor Adidas, he gave a group of children in Mombasa football equipment and a new room to study in. “I saw a picture, and it gave me a terrific feeling seeing how pleased they were and knowing how much it will help them going forward,” he told League Football Education.