Jude Bellingham, the 18-year-old midfielder, has quickly made a name for himself in the world of football. From playing for the Birmingham City Academy to making his debut for the England National Team, Bellingham has shown immense talent and potential at such a young age. With his impressive performances on the field, he has become one of the most talked-about young players in recent years, and it’s no surprise that top clubs are already vying for his signature.

Bellingham and His Role Models: From Gerrard to Zidane

Every football player draws inspiration from those who have made a mark in the sport before them. For Jude Bellingham, his role models include some of the biggest names in football history.

Steven Gerrard: A Childhood Hero

Growing up in Birmingham, Bellingham was a Liverpool fan, and his childhood hero was none other than Steven Gerrard. In an interview with BBC Sport, Bellingham revealed that he used to watch videos of Gerrard’s goals and admire his all-around game. He even had a room filled with Liverpool memorabilia, including a framed Gerrard shirt.

Paul Gascoigne: A Source of Inspiration

Another player who has influenced Bellingham is Paul Gascoigne, a former England international. Bellingham’s father, Mark, was a big fan of Gascoigne and used to talk to Jude about his playing style. In an interview with The Athletic, Mark revealed that he would show Jude videos of Gascoigne’s performances and explain to him how he played. Bellingham has taken inspiration from Gascoigne’s bold and fearless style of play, which is evident in his determination and fearlessness on the field.

Zinedine Zidane: An Aspirational Figure

Bellingham also looks up to Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest players to have graced the game. He considers Zidane as someone who “did everything” and was a complete player. In an interview with BBC Sport, Bellingham mentioned that he watches videos of Zidane and tries to learn from his game. He admires Zidane’s technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball, all of which are qualities that Bellingham possesses and continues to develop.

The Future of Bellingham: A Global Superstar in the Making

At just 18 years of age, Jude Bellingham’s future is extremely bright. He has already achieved so much in such a short span of time and has shown maturity beyond his years. With his impressive performances, he has caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Youngest Debutant for Birmingham City

Bellingham joined the Birmingham City Academy at the age of eight and made his first-team debut for the club at just 16 years old. This made him the youngest debutant for the club, beating the record previously held by Trevor Francis. Despite his young age, Bellingham showed great composure on the field and quickly became an integral part of the team.

Transfer to Borussia Dortmund

In July 2020, Bellingham signed for Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £25 million, making him the most expensive 17-year-old in football history. His move to Germany raised many eyebrows, but it proved to be the right decision as he has flourished under the guidance of manager Lucien Favre and alongside top players like Erling Haaland and Marco Reus. In his first season with Dortmund, Bellingham made 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

England National Team Debut

Bellingham’s impressive performances for Dortmund caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed him his senior team debut in November 2020. At just 17 years and 137 days old, he became the third-youngest player to make his debut for the England national team, only behind Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney. He made his debut in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland and then went on to feature in the UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Iceland.

Potential to Become a Global Superstar

With his talent, potential, and attitude, Jude Bellingham has the makings of a global superstar. Many have compared him to fellow English midfielder Phil Foden, who has also been touted as one of the best young players in the world. Bellingham has already shown that he can handle the pressure and expectations at the highest level, and with the right guidance and support, there is no limit to what he can achieve.

Conclusion

Jude Bellingham is a rare talent, a diamond in the rough, who is quickly shining bright in the world of football. With his role models, Steven Gerrard, Paul Gascoigne, and Zinedine Zidane, guiding him and inspiring him, he is well on his way to becoming a global superstar. His journey has just begun, and the world eagerly awaits to see what he will accomplish in the years to come.