In football, the Champions League final takes place this Saturday June 1 between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. At almost 21 years old, Jude Bellingham, English midfielder, who has become one of the best players in the world, is enjoying the glory days of Real after three seasons spent in the Dortmund jersey. After growing up far from his country, he hopes to shine in front of his audience during the most important match of his young career.
Arjohn is a lifelong Manchester United fan. Unfortunately for him, the Red Devils have long been eliminated from the Champions League. But he is looking forward to this final. For him, Jude Bellingham will break the screen: “ He is special. He is becoming a superstar. He does everything very well. I think he’s a great guy and everyone loves him! »
Indeed, in the streets of London, it is difficult to find opponents for him. James is an Arsenal supporter: “ It’s the “Golden Boy”! He’s like the messiah to us. There is no better player than him in the country today. He also has this little star side, because we English are not that cool! We didn’t have a Zinédine Zidane like you. “Zizou” and his talent. Bellingham is going to be that guy. It will become our Zizou! »
Zidane, one of the idols of the young Englishman
When he arrived at Real Madrid, he took number 5, like the French world champion at his time. At 20, in any case, Bellingham is in London to play the Champions League final in front of his home crowd. And he admits, it will necessarily be special: “ Yes, it’s a fairy tale, coming back home to England. There are several reasons why it will be a lot of emotions for me. I am very happy to be here. »
This final is a strange sign of destiny for this precocious phenomenon born in 2003, in Stourbridge, in the suburbs of Birmingham, and who started at 16 in English D2, before quickly moving to Dortmund, the other finalist. Leaving fans of the Kingdom wanting more, as Bruno Constant, English football specialist, explains: “ It’s true that there was a regret. As it was still a predicted crack, we wondered who this kid was. The fact that we are this kid like that who shuns the big names of the Premier League a little to go to a foreign club, that was surprising. »
In Germany, Bellingham grew very quickly
In three seasons, he has become one of the most promising players of his generation. Before landing at Real last summer and continuing to impress: “ He joined this team without any apprehension. He’s 20 years old, he plays like a 30 year old guy, continues Bruno Constant. He speaks like a 30 year old guy. He has amazing statistics. We tell ourselves : “but who is this Martian?” It’s incredible. »
Already crowned best player in the Spanish championship this season, the young Englishman is even cited as a contender for the Ballon d’Or. But he prefers not to plan too much for the moment: “ Frankly, I don’t think about it too much… It’s only my first Champions League final. I’m more focused on winning trophies with my team… That’s my goal for now… »
By winning this Champions League against his former club, Jude Bellingham would further confirm his rise. He will then be able to turn to the Euro with the England team which will again be favorites. With 29 selections, he is already one of the executives.
Read alsoChampions League: Sancho-Bellingham, English duel at the heart of the Dortmund-Real Madrid final