Why new Real Madrid signing Jude Bellingham is the opposite of Gareth Bale

He has only been at Real Madrid a week, but from what he transmits, he could have been at the club his whole life. Jude Bellingham has landed in Madrid with the desire to convince with his football and his attitude. He has surprised a few in his first week at the club with how he has integrated so far - far from fulfilling the classic profile of a British player who finds it difficult to adapt to the Spanish language and culture.

Bellingham has arrived at Valdebebas with a strong personality that bears no resemblance to that of the last star who arrived at Concha Espina from the United Kingdom: Gareth Bale, who never showed any interest in learning the language and who “only spoke English”, as Marcelo revealed when he admitted that despite sitting next to the Welshman in the dressing room, they only communicated “through gestures and greetings”.

Bellingham learning the ropes at Real Madrid

The same cannot be said of Bellingham, who despite the short time he has been in the Spanish capital has shown that the new language will not be a barrier for him. Fortunately, he has an advantage over the Welshman: he studied Spanish at school until ninth grade (in England this corresponds to the age of 13). David Beckham himself has advised him on learning the language.

Team player

But what has been most impressive about the former Borussia Dortmund man is his ability to get on with a Madrid dressing room that has welcomed him with open arms. Beyond the possibility of taking refuge in other English-speaking players, from day one he has been seen joking with everyone, even the Spaniards. Brahim, whom he mentioned as his “little brother” (written in Spanish) on Instagram, Ceballos and Lucas, with whom he shared a funny moment in one of the frenetic Madrid rondos, are some of the players with whom he has been seen enjoying himself with. Even Joselu, on his first day back from vacation, uploaded a photo to his Instagram with the new Real Madrid signing in the gym, a sign of the good feeling between the pair.

Bellingham, a class act

His previous experience in Germany has served as an apprenticeship and his maturity is evident, so much so that he already acts like a veteran player. He had dinner with Brahim and Arda Güler the day before the start of Madrid’s preseason. He also celebrated his signing with a ‘pop-up store’ in Birmingham in collaboration with Adidas, where he gave away shirts and signed autographs for the children. Madrid have signed a superstar, but also a professional with an impeccable attitude - the perfect example of what a Madrid player should represent.