Bellingham’s standout interview with L Equipe reveals a striking level of maturity as he reflects on his past, his present, and what lies ahead.
Jude Bellingham spoke with L Équipe just hours after collecting the Kopa Trophy for the best young player last season. The England international opened up about his journey from Birmingham to Real Madrid, and described the moment he met his new teammates at the Bernabéu in detail.
The role of family. He emphasized that a close relationship with his mother and father provides balance. They supported him through every stage, working jobs before helping steer his career. He admires their ability to adapt to new environments and still perform at the highest level, even without prior coaching experience in the sport.
The value of family presence. He noted that having family nearby gives real peace of mind. He contrasted this with agents who might chase money, stressing that his priorities have always been aligned with his parents. Family discussions around the dinner table can range from cinema to a potential Real Madrid interest, underscoring the warmth and practicality of keeping the family atmosphere intact.
The broader football world. He reflected on witnessing people around him slip off track, insisting that loving football for its own sake yields the best rewards. Pursuing fame and attention, he believes, is not the right path.
His father as a totalscorer. He recalls his father often reminding him of his own goals and even joking about scoring more than Jude could. That playful push helped keep ambition grounded in reality.
Childhood dream. England was always the aim. He admits you might be surprised by the path that took him through Germany to Spain before ever playing in the Premier League, but the dream remained clear.
Early days at his father’s side. Initially, football wasn’t love at first sight. He spent time at sessions picking daisies for his mother, appreciating the freedom to decide his own path as long as he stayed kind and responsible. His parents never pressured him, and that freedom became a lifelong theme.
Falling in love with football. The spark came from competition. Growing up, he learned to cope with losses and the heat of the moment, realizing that resilience and respect mattered just as much as skill.
Idols and influences. His early heroes included Birmingham players who won the League Cup at Wembley, such as Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, and Lee Bowyer. As he matured, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard shaped his admiration because they represented England on the world stage. A Zidane shirt once served as a playful teaching moment; meeting Zidane during the Champions League final in 2022 left him starstruck and inspired. The experience reinforced that great players can also be grounded men.
Zidane and the number five. He views Zidane as a meaningful influence, but he forges his own path and aims to shape Madrid’s modern number 5 in his own way.
Birmingham retirement number 22. The club’s decision to not wait for a return during a difficult period is acknowledged. He believes his transfer helped save the club, underscoring the responsibility that comes with leaving a familiar place during uncertain times.
Maturity and perception. Some critics have labeled him as mature beyond his years, yet he concedes he is human and capable of errors. He refutes the idea that he is a robotic figure, asserting that he harbors the same emotions as everyone else.
Madrid debut nerves. The first days in the dressing room were daunting but enlightening. He found reassurance in teammates who were down-to-earth and supportive, realizing that success does not erase humility. He learned that high achievers can still be exemplary teammates and people.
First shirt moment. Wearing the Real Madrid jersey felt like a dream realized, a symbol of status and responsibility that requires consistent performance week after week.
Feeling distinctive. He sometimes senses a unique burden due to his youth, but he stays focused on daily improvement rather than dwelling on comparisons. The mindset is to keep advancing, no matter what others say.
Adaptability in action. He stresses the need to dive in quickly, stay calm under pressure, and move forward regardless of praise or criticism.
Racism and resilience. He describes racism as a deeply felt issue that affects many. He has developed a thick skin, yet he is acutely aware of how harmful it can be to others and remains committed to speaking out and supporting change.
Five-year horizon. He envisions a future with multiple Champions Leagues, a European Championship, and possibly a World Cup. Optimism drives his approach to every competition, with a belief that ambition should fuel persistence rather than fear of defeat.
Note: the insights above reflect a recent conversation about career, values, and the player’s outlook across club and country aspirations. They illustrate how personal strength, family influence, and a steadfast work ethic shape a contemporary football journey.