Jude Bellingham Real Madrid presentation: Number 5 jersey confirmed, first words at the Bernabeu

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid presentation: After the announcement of the Englishman’s imminent arrival, Real Madrid’s record signing, Jude Bellingham, has been officially presented as a new signing for the club. Moreover, he is also the most expensive sale in the history of Dortmund. 

The Spanish giants have struck a deal worth €103 million upfront plus €31 million in add-ons based on performance. He has agreed to a six-year deal with Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2029. Bellingham will be earning between €10-12 million per season, as per the deal agreed with the board. 

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid shirt number revealed 

During the midfielder’s presentation, Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid shirt number as well. There were rumours that he could continue with the number 22, as he has done with Borussia Dortmund, and Birmingham City. His boyhood club even retired the number 22 jersey in his honour, as he was their most expensive sale of all-time. However at Real Madrid, the number 22 jersey is worn by Antonio Rudiger. 

Bellingham will be wearing the number 5 shirt for Los Blancos, which was iconically worn by Zinedine Zidane. The youngster has been very open about Zidane being his idol, and will now wear his number at the club. 

The number 5 shirt belonged to Jesus Vallejo, who has now moved to the number 24 kit. He also revealed that Zidane was one of the main inspirations behind choosing Real Madrid, amidst strong interest over a return to England. 

Jude Bellingham presentation: New signing speaks for the first time 

“I was at the final when Madrid beat Liverpool, that was a huge factor in my decision to join Real. I’m joining the greatest club in the world and it’s not about money,” Jude Bellingham said at his presentation. 

“My dad told me about Real Madrid’s interest last year, 12/15 months ago… and trust me, I got goosebumps and my heart stopped a bit. Money was never a factor in my career, this is the best club in the world.”

“I was sold when Real Madrid came to my house to meet us. It was huge because they were great with my family, they didn’t try to manipulate them. It was a great moment, goosebumps… you dream of those moments as a kid!”

“Of course all my friends from the England national team wanted me to be back in the Premier League, it was the easier option for me in my comfort zone. But you just can’t turn down the big, great Real Madrid,” he added. 

The Jude Bellingham presentation saw him wear the famous white jersey for the first time. He did the mandatory keep ups in front of the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu, and was hailed as the best young player in the world by club president Florentino Perez. 

The 19-year-old will be expected to inherit the midfield from veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. And he will form the next generation of Real Madrid’s midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. 

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid transfer: Will he succeed? 

The teenager has become the sixth ever Englishman to play for Los Blancos. The list includes David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steve McManaman and more, all of whom have had mixed times at the club. The talent Bellingham has is undeniable, and it now remains to be seen how he adapts to the Spanish league, and tests himself outside his comfort zone.