At 18 years, seven months, and 22 days old, Bellingham became the second youngest player to make 50 appearances in Bundesliga.
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English international Jude Bellingham has turned out to be one of the prodigal talents in Bundesliga while donning the Borussia Dortmund colours since 2020. At 18 years, seven months, and 22 days old, Bellingham became the second youngest player to make 50 appearances in Bundesliga on matchday 23. In fact, it makes him only 10 days older than record-holder Florian Wirtz, who grabbed the landmark ahead of his fellow prolific teammate Gio Reyna, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. The prodigal talent, at 18, has achieved so much under his belt which has made him a hot-property in European football.
The teenage footballer has scored four Bundesliga goals and nine assists, 16 UEFA Champions League appearances and two goals, four assists in the competition, plus two DFB Cup goals and a cup winners’ medal. All this, at the beginning of his career. He also earned 10 senior international caps after graduating from the ranks of England U15 side.
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The Stourbridge-born footballer is the youngest player in European Championship history at the age of 17 years and 345 days in England’s opening game at Euro 2020. He later became the second-youngest scorer in Champions League knockout stage history at 17 years, nine months, and 17 days when he scored against Manchester City in the previous season.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who is one of the finest in the business, was left in disbelief and joked about his age. His teammate and rising superstar Erling Haaland has also hailed him for his incredible approach.
“He’s 18 – three years younger than me – it’s crazy! What can I say? He’s amazing. He’s 18-years-old and plays so incredibly well. He is fantastic,” said the BVB striker after another Bellingham star turn against Beskitas in the Champions League earlier in 2021/22.
BVB veteran and central-defender Mats Hummels has, meanwhile, praised his leadership qualities and believes that he can become a top player in the years to come.
“Jude is the most mature 18-year-old player I’ve ever seen. He’s already a leader and, also one of the most vocal in the team. He’s a fantastic footballer, and a fantastic guy. I think I’ve told him about 25 times now that I just love him. He’s on his way to the very top, there’s no doubt about that,” Hummels told Bundesliga.com
His Bundesliga stats also show that club veteran and legend Marco Reus is the only one to have more assists than him in the 2021-22 season.
