On the pitch, Real Madrid new boy Jude Bellingham is enjoying a perfect start. In the dressing room… not so much.
The England international, 20, has made a sensational start to his LaLiga career. Bellingham, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund during this summer, has scored five goals in his first four games – including a last-minute winner against Getafe on Saturday.
That was his first appearance at the Bernabeu due to the famous old ground being renovated. Yet it appears some of the work may have been a little bit rushed after the name next to his changing room spot read ‘Bellimgham’.
Real’s media team followed Bellingham into the dressing room after his latest heroics, where the error was noticeable on camera. “I’ve never heard a stadium so loud in my life,” he said. “Unbelievable… stressful but couldn’t have ended better. Vamos!”
Although the mistake is slightly embarrassing, Real and Bellingham won’t care too much. The 14-time European champions have found their newest superstar and will be confident of winning more silverware with him in the team.
It’s not taken long for Bellingham to reach the top. He joined Dortmund from Championship side Birmingham City just over three years ago and soon became an England international, starring at Euro 2020 and last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Yet perhaps his greatest achievement is making an immediate impression at Real, as they already boasting so many superstars – including Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. “A place like no other,” tweeted Bellingham after his home debut. “Mi Casa!”
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Bellingham after the win against Getafe. “I’m not surprised by Bellingham’s quality,” he said. “What surprises me is that he has scored so many goals in the first few games. It’s quite surprising for everybody and for him.
“He’s a professional and he’s very serious. The professionalism of the squad is at a high level and he has the example there. He’s adapted very well and has gone on holiday with the rest of the young players. I think it’s all good.”
Ancelotti believes Bellingham will score at least 15 goals this season having already bagged five. He added: “He can get to 15 goals because he did it with Dortmund. He excels without the ball and doesn’t give it away. He often gets into the box and breaks lines. He’s in almost constant attacking movement and that’s why he has scored all those goals.”
Bellingham will ultimately be judged by his performances in the Champions League. Real will take on Union Berlin, Braga and Italian champions Napoli in the group stage.
