​The Jude Bellingham Show. A World Cup body of work that, even by the Real Madrid midfielder’s lofty standards, has been as mesmerising as we’ve seen in an England shirt in recent major tournaments. It now seems almost ludicrous to think there was ever a debate about whether Bellingham would be in England’s World Cup squad. He has emerged as one of the standout stars of England’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals and, in truth, one of the tournament’s best players. Four goals plus a superb assist for Harry Kane’s strike in the 2-0 win over Panama have had England fans singing the 23-year-old’s name here in the United States. Yet Bellingham appears to be taking it all in his stride. Of course, he’s accustomed to adulation, and it’s no surprise to see him in the position he occupies today. His ascent was anticipated by those in the game when he burst onto the scene in 2019.
Here, BBC Sport charts Bellingham’s rise. He made his senior debut for his hometown club Birmingham City at the age of 16 years and 38 days in August 2019, becoming the Blues’ youngest ever player and breaking Trevor Francis’s 1970 record. A Premier League scouting report from that match highlighted the midfielder’s obvious talent, praising his “great athleticism, long legs, graceful running and work-rate.” Yet it was Bellingham’s technical prowess that truly caught the scout’s eye: his ability to carry the ball away from pressure, to find space by weaving between lines or by drifting wide. The report urged the undisclosed Premier League club to sign him immediately, loan him out, and then integrate him into their first team within 18 months.
Within a year, Bellingham was on the move again—not to the Premier League, but to Borussia Dortmund, in a deal worth £20.7 million. When he left Birmingham, they retired his number 22 shirt, a sign of the impact he had despite having played only 44 games for the club. Birmingham City could sense what was unfolding, and English football quickly began to realise as well. Germany soon found out, too. Bellingham marked his Dortmund debut with a goal, sealing the second in a 5-0 victory over Duisburg in the German Cup.
“He’s just wonderful”: celebrations in his home town reflect the pride. It wasn’t long before Sir Gareth Southgate, then England’s manager, took notice. Bellingham, after just 11 appearances for Dortmund and still only 17, was fast-tracked into the senior national team, making his England debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in November 2020. The clamour for him to become a regular for Southgate grew louder with each scintillating display in Germany’s domestic league. Yet Southgate limited him to three substitute appearances at Euro 2020, the delayed tournament in which England reached the final.
Looking back, the decision to fast-track Bellingham and the rapid progression he has since demonstrated can be traced to a combination of prodigious talent, disciplined development, and a mindset that refuses to be overwhelmed by expectation. From a precocious youngster lighting up Birmingham’s academy to a national team mainstay and a player who can influence games on the world stage, Bellingham’s journey is defined by a swift ascent through the ranks and a willingness to seize every opportunity. In 2026, as he continues to perform at the highest level for club and country, his story remains a testament to what can be achieved when talent is paired with relentless work ethic and the courage to step into the spotlight when it matters most.