Jude Bellingham unveiling as it happened: Real Madrid sign England star

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Bellingham brothers both join new clubs on the same day

Jude isn't the only Bellingham who's been on the move this week, funnily enough. In fact, he completed his move to Real Madrid the very same day brother Jobe, who is 17, also moved away from first club Birmingham City. He's not quite reached Champions League level just yet but he appears to be on the way up. 

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Bellingham to take No. 5 shirt: who else has worn number at Real Madrid?

One of the big revelations from the unveiling was that Bellingham was taking the number 5 jersey, worn by the legendary Zinedine Zidane (and the less legendary Jesús Vallejo. Sorry, Jesús).  

Vallejo, who barely kicked a ball last season but remains at the club, has switched to 24, but which other players have worn the jersey for Los Blancos?

Jude Bellingham: more Steve McManaman or Jonathan Woodgate?

What about Jude Bellingham? Will the 19-year-old be more McManaman (two league titles and two Champions Legaues) or Woodgate (own goal and a red card on his debut)?

Everything points to it being the former, with the midfielder saying all the right things to kick off his time as a Real Madrid player. 

Jonathan Woodgate

2004-2007, 1 goal in 14 appearances

Woodgate didn’t play a single game in his first season at the club due to injury, then went on to score an own goal and get sent off on his debut against Athletic Club, which came 13 months after he had signed. Yet the defender was well-liked during his time in Spain, most of which was spent in the treatment room.

Woodgate made a big effort to learn Spanish and integrate into his new surroundings, even impressing in a brief run in a team in late 2005-early 2006. However, more injuries eventually saw him drop out of the team and loaned out to hometown club Middlesbrough, who he signed for permanently in 2007. Neither Owen nor Woodgate won any silverware during their time in Madrid.

Michael Owen

2004-05, 16 goals in 45 appearances

Owen’s peak came at an incredibly young age and it’s not too difficult to argue that his best days were already behind him by the time joined Real Madrid in 2004 at the age of 24. The striker’s had a respectable goalscoring return in his single season in Spain and scored against Barcelona in El Clásico, but many of his appearances came from the bench with Raúl and Ronaldo preferred in attack. Joined Newcastle United after the signings of Brazilian duo Robinho and Júlio Baptista.

David Beckham

2003-2007, 20 goals in 155 appearances

After Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, Beckham was Real Madrid’s next ‘Galáctico’ signing, joining weeks before compatriot McManaman was sold to Manchester City in 2003. The then England captain was a regular in midfield in his first three seasons at the club and was a solid performer, but Los Blancos failed to win any major trophies in that time.

Beckham fell out with manager Fabio Capello midway through his final season and was frozen out for a spell but forced his way back into the team and inspired Los Merengues to the LaLiga title in 2006/07 before heading for LA Galaxy.

Steve McManaman

1999-2009, 14 goals in 158 appearances

McManaman made his name as a flying winger at Liverpool, terrorising defences in England with his pace and dribbling ability. However, he changed his game to suit the team in Madrid, who he joined on a free transfer in 1999. McManaman plugged a gap in central midfield and became a fan favourite due to his incredible stamina and work rate.

In four seasons at the Bernabéu, the former Red won two league titles and two Champions Leagues, scoring and being named MVP in the 2000 final against Valencia. McManaman has turned out for Real Madrid’s ‘legends’ team since retiring from playing.

Bellingham the sixth Englishman to play for Real Madrid

Bellingham will become the sixth Englishman to feature for Los Blancos when he makes his debut, either in the summer friendlies in the US or in the first LaLiga game of the season, depending on how much of a traditionalist you are. Let's take a look at the previous five. 

Laurie Cunningham

1979-1984, 20 goals in 66 appearances

Signed from West Bromwich Albion in 1979, winger Cunningham became the first Englishman to ever play for Real Madrid. He scored 20 goals in 66 games in all competitions, most of which came in his first season-and-a-half at the club, during which time Los Blancos won LaLiga. A serious injury suffered against Real Betis in December 1980 was followed by on-field and off-the-field disciplinary issues, which eventually led to him spending the last two years of his time as a Madrid player out on loan.

Cunningham was tragically killed in a car crash in Madrid in July 1989 during his second spell as a Rayo Vallecano player. He was only 33.

Bellingham's badge-kissing

How about this one, Real Madrid fans? That must be a nice sight.

Los Blancos have finally got their man. Who'll be next? Mbappé? Kane? 

Bellingham on the field at Real Madrid City

Bellingham is now rounding off his unveiling with some obligatory keepy-ups out on the field at Real Madrid City. If I manage to get my hands on a clip, I'll put it up. Just so you can see that he is actually capable of doing a few. We've see a few of these presentations go wrong, after all...

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Real Madrid present their new kit for 2023-24

In case you're wondering, yes, that is the new Real Madrid kit for the 2023/24 season, complete with gold, after a four-year absence, and 'Hala Madrid' scrawled across the neck. Here's all you need to know about it. 

First glimpse of Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid jersey

And here we have it, Jude Bellingham's first steps in a Real Madrid jersey. Is it too early to say it suits him? 

"Kroos and Modric will be annoyed with me after the first week"

And this, I think, my my favourite. Jude Bellingham discussing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. 

"I'll be like a sponge around them, they'll probably be annoyed with me after the first week".

Touché. 

"Not Zidane, just Jude"

"I'm not trying to be Zidane, I'm just trying to be Jude". 

This was possibly my second favourite quote from the press conferecce. 

Kylian Mbappé next to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid?

Bellingham played it cool with his words but you can tell from his face that the thought of linking up with Kylian Mbappé in Madrid is appealing, shall we say. 

Bellingham in his element at Real Madrid City

It was a fairly understated start at his unveiling but Jude Bellingham came into his own during the press conference afterwards. The first of many impressive performances in Madrid, I'm sure. 

Bellingham ruled out of England Euro qualifiers due to injury

After today is over, thoughts turn to getting Bellingham back on the field. He was due to play in England's European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia in the next few days but was forced to pull out of the squad because of the knee injury that caused him to miss the end of the Bundesliga season with Borussia Dortmund. 

There had been fears that the injury would require surgery and even disrupt his move to Madrid but that - obviously - hasn't materialised. Bellingham passed his medical without any issues and should be fighting fit for pre-season. 

What next for Jude Bellingham?

Well, we should be getting some shots of him actually wearing the Real Madrid jersey pretty soon. Did I mention that he's getting the number 5? 

Jude Bellingham: cool as a cucumber

And that, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, is that. Cool as a cucumber is Jude Bellingham. When I was 19, I could barely string two sentences together. He barely missed a step throughout that press conference. Let's see if he can repeat it out there on the field. 

Bellingham: "I can do a little bit of everything"

Style of play: "I'm a midfielder who can do a little bit of everything. I can do whatever the coach asks for. I hope I can prove that at Real Madrid, I will always help the team".

Bellingham: "I've always been aware of Madrid's interest"

Madrid's first phone call: "I have always been aware, but when my father told me that Madrid were interested? I don't know, you don't expect it. It's an extraordinary feeling".

Bellingham: "My experience will help with the pressure"

Expectations: "I hope my experience will help me deal with the pressure. I don't think I will have a problem.

Bellingham: "The price doesn't worry me. I'm not a lawyer or an accountant"

His transfer fee: "I know that a lot has been paid, but the price does not worry me. I'm not a lawyer or an accountant, I'm a soccer player and I'm here to play".

Bellingham: "I'll gain a lot of experience"

The national team and its influence on his career: "I think I will gain a lot of experience, it's a different culture. It's different. I've talked to teammates, the style is different, but everyone has helped me and given me advice."

Bellingham: "I wanted to get out of my comfort zone"

Pressure in England: "Yes, everyone in the national team wanted me to go back home. But I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and the easiest way would have been to go back to England. But I had to take the opportunity to come to Madrid. It's the right move for me. It's where I wanted to be.

Bellingham: "You can't wait to hold a trophy"

Real Madrid's Valdebebas headquarters: "The trophy room was impressive. You can't wait to hold one in your hands. It was the most impressive moment".

Bellingham: "Zidane is an extraordinary person, it's an hour to wear his number"

Meeting Zidane in Paris: "I didn't want to bother him too much, we haven't had much contact since. As I said, it's an honor to wear his number. He is an extraordinary person".

Bellingham: "Losing makes us want it more"

Real Madrid's 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League: "This year we couldn't win the league or the Champions League, but I want to contribute every year. This makes us want to do more".

Bellingham: "It's difficult to say when I made the decision"

The decision to sign for Real Madrid: "The exact moment is difficult to say. I've always really admired the club, I was there at the final against Liverpool.... There were many things that made me decide."

Bellingham: "Real Madrid is an opportunity I couldn't turn down"

Madrid as a club: "I've always been a big fan of Madrid, I used to watch them in England. When the players are on the pitch, it's incredible. I don't know... It's a team you always want to go to. It's exciting. It's an opportunity I couldn't turn down."

Bellingham: "Let's see how things go with Mbappé"

Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé: "As I said with Kane, I can't comment on that. They are incredible players, let's see how things go. I've read things on Twitter, but not everything we see is true. He's a great player, and we always want to play with the best. We'd all like to play with Mbappé, there's no doubt about it."

Bellingham: "Hopefully I can continue Zidane's legacy"

The pressure of the number 5 jersey: "The jersey itself is a great responsibility. Maybe it could put me in an difficult position, but I've always loved Zidane, and for me he's been the best. Hopefully I can continue the legacy of the number".

Bellingham: "I'm going to stick with Modric and Kroos for the first few weeks"

Playing with Modric and Kroos: "For me, it's a priceless experience. The way they play, their experience, their vision.... It will be good for me. I'm going to stick with them for the first few weeks, I hope it doesn't bother them. We have an extraordinary team, I'm looking forward to being with them."

Bellingham: "I know how important Real Madrid are"

Real Madrid's demands: "I know they're really high, I'll have a lot of responsibility. When you play at a professional level, with adults, even when you are a kid, you have to learn faster. I have always adapted well. I know how important this is".

Bellingham: "I've always been very interested in Real Madrid"

On what Real Madrid means: "I think the respect Real Madrid have in England is extraordinary, their pedigree in Europe is so important. I've seen their games in previous years, I understood their achievements and I've always been very interested in them".

Bellingham: "I shouldn't comment on Harry Kane"

On England captain Harry Kane joining him in Madrid: "He is my captain and a fantastic player. Whatever happens, happens, I shouldn't really comment on it."

Bellingham: "Ancelotti is one of the best managers in history"

Thought on Real Madrid manager Ancelotti: "Yes, we have spoken, I think he is an incredible coach. It's a good opportunity for me to be with one of the best in history. I'm delighted that he wants me in his team". 

Bellingham: "I admire Zidane a lot"

Taking the number 5: "I'm thankful to Vallejo, we talked and he didn't mind. He is a great guy. I am very grateful. I really Zidane, his legacy at this club and now I have his number. But I am different. It's a number that inspires me. 22 has been my number for a long time, but now I'll wear the 5".

Bellingham: "Money is not so important"

Other possible destinations: "Money is not so important, I didn't think about it. I have never done it to choose my next team. I spoke to Dortmund, I loved what Real Madrid were offering, I wanted it to be fast. It's not that the other teams were bad, of course not, but I chose Madrid."

Bellingham: "Not many have the opportunity to play here"

His first day at Madrid: "It's a pleasure to be here. It's the biggest club in history, not many have the opportunity to play here. I am very grateful to those who brought me here to play for this team.

Butragueño: "We are very proud to have a player like you"

"We are very proud to have a player like you, very grateful. You are already a Madrid player, congratulations. Welcome".

Bellingham in the press room with Emilio Butragueño

Bellingham is back and it's time for some questions. Emilio Butragueño gives us a short introduction first. 

LALIGA

When could Jude Bellingham make his debut for Real Madrid?

While we're waiting for the press conference to begin, let's take a look at when Bellingham could be in line to make his Real Madrid debut. Los Blancos have got a summer tour of the United States lined up, in which they'll play four pre-season matches against Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus. When and where are they? Glad you asked. 

Do friendlies really count for debuts, though? Not in my book. Real Madrid's first competitive match of 2023/24 will come in LaLiga, which will start again before you know it. 

Bellingham poses with Florentino Pérez

Here's a much better one of Bellingham and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who are trying to trick you into thinking that they're at the Santiago Bernabéu, but they're not. Real Madrid City (the club's training complex) is where it's all happening today. 

Bellingham off to get changed before press conference

Bellingham is off to get changed into his number 5 jersey and will be posing for more snaps and taking some questions in the media room before too long. 

Jude Bellingham speaks at Real Madrid unveiling

In case you want to listen to Bellingham's words yourself, here we go. A business-like approach from the youngster, who will head over to the press room soon. 

Thought we might get a little more  but let's give him a break, he's had a busy 24 hours (and more). 

Bellingham: "I am coming to the best club in the world"

Incredibly short but sweet from Bellingham, who starts in Spanish with, "Hola a todos, hola madridistas". 

"I just want to say thank you to everyone in the room and everyone watching online for joining me for the proudest day in my life. The day when I joined the greatest football club in the history of the game. Thank you very much. There's a lot of people to thank for getting me here to this point, at Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City the people that work there. But also the bosses here, Mr President, Juni Calafat, José Ángel Sánchez and most importantly my family for all the support for making the deal as easy as possible. So thank you very much and finally...Hala Madrid!

Pérez: "Thank you for coming and welcome home"

Pérez finishes in English with a quick "Thank you for coming and welcome home", and now it's Jude's turn. 

Florentino Pérez: "You are going to experience things only the chosen ones do"

"You're only 19 years old and you're already one of those players that everyone wants to see on a soccer field. You come from a great club that is also a friend. You have just been named best player in the Bundesliga. You made history with Birmingham City, you were the youngest player to play for them in their 144-year history, so much so that the team retired your number, even though you were only 17 years old. And you are already one of England's greatest players. These are numbers that show extraordinary class. You are called to give great joy 'Madridistas'. This was your great dream and you are going to experience things that are only within reach of the chosen ones. We will try to make you happy, these are challenges for which you are ready. Congratulations and welcome."

Pérez: "The moment you dreamed of has arrived"

"Dear Jude, the moment you had dreamed of has arrived. We thank you for doing everything possible to be here, thank you for being a 'Madridista'. This is the most demanding club in the world, the values help us to achieve what seems impossible. I'm sure you became Madridista when you saw us win the last 5 Champions League titles. At Real Madrid we never give up. The Bernabeu awaits you, there you will feel the emotion of the soccer world".

Pérez: one of the best in the world is here

"It's a great day for those of us who are passionate about Madrid to be proud of what this club means in the world. We always say that a fundamental part of the club's success is that the players feel what it means to be 'Madridistas'. Today we should feel proud, one of the best in the world is here. And he is here because he wanted to be here, he could have gone to any team he wanted, but he chose to play for Real Madrid".

"Thank for doing everything possible to make your dream to join Real Madrid come true. The club's values will be with you from this moment on". 

A little reminder of five Champions Leagues in nine years from Pérez too. That's what it's all about for Real Madrid. 

Pérez: Bellingham could've gone anywhere but chose Real Madrid

"It's day to feel proud because one of the best players in the world has joined us. He could've chosen any other big club but he's chosen to come here". 

Real Madrid president Florentio Pérez first to speak

It's over and Florentino is first up on the mic. 

Bellingham family at Real Madrid

Jude's mum Denise has had enough and is now WhatsApping. 

Compilation...still going on

This compilation is going on for waaaay longer than I thought. Even Jude looks like he want to get on with it. 'Magnificent', 'superb', 'sensational', 'class' are just some of the words coming up in the accompanying commentary. 

You get the gist. 

Compilations can make pretty much any player look good...but this one is sensational. 

Bellingham compilation

We're kicking off with a series of clips of Bellingham playing when he was still in diapers, then as a kid, then for Birmingham City, Dortmund and England. 

Bellingham on stage at Real Madrid City!

To the surprise of nobody, we're running a bit late, but now he's here! Bellingham comes out on stage on Real Madrid City. 

Jude Bellingham 'steals' Jesús Vallejo's no.5!

Just in case you were wondering what had happened to Jesús Vallejo (you probably weren't) now that Bellingham has taken his number 5 jersey, the defender now appears on the Real Madrid website alongside the number 24.

Hope not too many of you got 'Vallejo 5' shirts for your birthday/Christmas/Thanksgiving. 

LALIGA

Who is Mark Bellingham, new Real Madrid signing Jude’s father and agent?

Would Real Madrid's deal for Bellingham have been possible without Jude's dad Mark? He's had a huge impact on his son's (short) career to date and, as it turns out, the pair have more in common that just a surname: Mark was a pretty handy player in his day too. 

Here's the story of Mark Bellingham. 

First snaps of Bellingham with his Real Madrid jersey

The first (somewhat grainy) shot of Bellingham with the famous white jersey and the number 5. The Englishman's favoured number 22 is staying with Antonio Rüdiger. 

Bellingham to wear no.5 jersey for Real Madrid

And here's the news you've all been waiting for! Bellingham will wear the number 5 jersey in Madrid, following in the footsteps of the one and only Zinedine Zidane (and Fernando Redondo, another personal favourite of mine). 

Bellingham signs Real Madrid contract

We knew that it was done, now it's done done! Bellingham, sitting alongside president Florentino Pérez, has signed his Real Madrid contract and topped up his bank balance instantaneously (not that he was short of cash anyway)

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Bellingham: three players in one

So, what type of player are Real Madrid getting? Much has been made in the last couple of years of their need to start thinking about the long-term future of their midfield, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric (despite his performance for Croatia last night) not getting any younger. 

Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni have already come in and Bellingham will join them to assist and eventually replace the veteran duo. 

Here's how Real Madrid are getting three players in one. 

LALIGA

What will Jude Bellingham’s salary be at Real Madrid?

While, as mentioned, Real Madrid have shelled out an initial €103 million/$111.3 million for Bellingham's services, they could pay up to 30% more if certain individual and team objectives are met during the six years of his contract. 

Here's more on how much Bellingham's signing could actually end up costing Real Madrid in total, with his salary also taken into consideration. 

How much will Jude Bellingham earn at Real Madrid?

I'd be smiling and have my thumb up too if I was about to start earning the same as Bellingham will in Spain. 

Although we can’t be completely certain about exactly how much it will be, reports in Germany suggest that he has signed a six-year deal worth €20 million (around $21.7 million) per season, which drops to €10 million (over $10.8 million) after tax.

I'd probably settle for that. 

LALIGA

Jude Bellingham completes Real Madrid move: how much did he cost and who is their most expensive signing?

Where does that €103 million/$111.3 million figure stand in terms of Real Madrid's most expensive ever signings? Pretty high up, as you might imagine. Most of the names in the top 10 did pretty well as Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, although there are a few horror shows in there too. 

Bellingham will struggle to do any worse than one of the two players in the photo above (if you're reading, Jude, that'll make you feel better, I'm sure). 

How much have Real Madrid paid for Bellingham?

The 14-time Champions League winners have, unsurprisingly, paid Dortmund a pretty penny or two for the privilege of taking one of the world’s most talented young players to Spain. The deal will cost an initial €103 million (circa $111.3 million) plus add-ons, which actually seems cheap compared to the reported €222 million ($240 million) PSG paid Barcelona for Neymar, comfortably the most expensive transfer in the history of the sport.

Bellingham's exemplary medical photo

Just to retrace my steps slightly, this is the 'I've passed my medical' snap I was looking for! That's much better, all the boxes ticked here. 

10/10. 

Real Madrid City ready for Bellingham

Bellingham is due on in around 40 minutes or so and we seem to be on track.

How's his Spanish? We'll find out soon enough!

Real Madrid announce Bellingham signing

Borussia Dortmund had already said it was going to happen but this was the moment Real Madrid officially confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham on Wednesday.

They'd already teased us with a "Take a sad song and make it better" tweet seconds earlier (if you don't know...well, you should know, really). 

Bellingham passes Real Madrid medical

The good news just keeps on coming! Bellingham underwent a medical earlier at Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja (in case you really needed to know) in the north of Madrid and guess what? He's passed! 

My criticism of this 'I've passed my medical' photo is that he should be lying down on the bed and have his shirt off. Just the thumbs up means only 1/3. Must do better. 

Where can I watch Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid unveiling?

We've obviously got you covered right here but if you want to see the man himself with your own eyes, then there's one place to do it: Real Madrid TV. 

Head over to the Real Madrid website and, depending on which country you're in, you may or may not be able to follow a live stream. 

Bellingham signing jerseys

After doing his medical, Bellingham has been spotted signing the jersey of a young fan (who's probably not that much younger than him...) on his way to Real Madrid City. Still all good!

Where's is Bellingham's Real Madrid unveiling taking place?

You'd probably expect Bellingham's unveiling to be happening at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu but the young Englishman is going to have to wait a little to see his new home (publicly at least). Because of the ongoing renovation work at Real Madrid's stadium, the midfielder's unveiling will actually take place at the basketball pavilion at Real Madrid City, the club's training complex. 

We'll just need to wait a tiny bit longer to see him in the flesh at the 'new' Bernabéu...

What time does Bellingham's Real Madrid unveiling start?

No, Jude, it's not at 2. Don't be late, please. The big reveal gets underway at 12pm local time in Madrid, which makes that 6am ET and...3am PT.

If any of you west coasters (in particular) are tuning in, please get in touch with @RoddyCons or @English_AS on Twitter. The very least your dedication to the cause deserves is a shoutout on an AS USA live feed.  

Bellingham undergoing Real Madrid medical

Everything going smoothly so far as Bellingham has made it to Madrid and turned up for his medical. Not much worse than being stood up at the altar (I'd imagine). 

Let's hope that knee injury isn't too much of an issue (more on that in a bit)...

Welcome to Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid unveiling!

They’ve got him! After months and months (and months) of speculation, Jude Bellingham is officially a Real Madrid player. Now we can forget all about transfer rumours and focus on stuff that’s actually going on on the field. Oh, wait, what’s that, Kylian…?

I’m Roddy and thanks for joining me as Los Blancos unveil their brand spanking new signing to the world. I bet you’re all dying to know what squad number Bellingham’s going to have next season, aren’t you?