Jude Bellingham enjoyed the ‘best night’ of his life after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid on a stunning evening at Wembley Stadium.
Bellingham, 20, set up Vinicius Junior for Madrid’s second goal in their 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund to lift the famous trophy for the first time ever.
The midfielder, who will soon feature for England ahead of the 2024 European Championship, has had a fantastic debut year in Spain, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.
Superstar Bellingham was also named LaLiga’s player of the season and ended the campaign in style after taking part in the wild celebrations in Madrid.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing in these games,” Bellingham told TNT Sports.
Jude Bellingham capped a brilliant season by winning the Champions League trophy
Bellingham celebrated his sensational triumph with his family on the Wembley Stadium pitch
The young midfielder hugged his mother Denise, a supportive presence throughout his career
‘Sometimes when things get tough you start to wonder if it’s all worth it, but nights like tonight make it all worth it. It has to be up there in terms of the perfect season.
“I can’t put it into words, it’s the best night of my life.”
Bellingham was visibly emotional after the match during his on-field interview with TNT Sports, admitting he was calm until he saw his family in the crowd.
“I was doing well until I was in the face of my mom and dad… and my little brother who I try to be a role model for,” he added.
‘The number of nights they spend [his parents] could be home at 7 p.m., but instead they make trips at 11, 12 at night to take me to the football.
‘I couldn’t have dreamed much better than this. I just can’t believe it.’
His father Mark and mother Denise were both seen in the stands before kick-off, having arrived at Wembley five hours before the match to cheer on their son.
Bellingham’s family were a constant and inspiring presence throughout his journey from Birmingham City to the Bernabeu and were determined to be part of the atmosphere.
Bellingham’s mother, father Mark and brother Jobe were in the stands five hours early
The 20-year-old posed for the cameras with his glittering winner’s medal in his mouth
Bellingham got on track after receiving his medal and placed it around Denise’s neck
His brother Jobe, who was on the books in Sunderland, had also taken a seat early.
The family appeared on the pitch long after the final whistle in a moving reunion, when Denise had the chance to take a photo with Jose Mourinho.
“Special player, special family,” Mourinho told TNT Sports. “To see that family, as they are there, they’re not looking for cameras, they’re not looking for the VIP seats, they’re just there to support their child in the most humble way.
‘For me it is really beautiful. Family, we play for them, especially in these moments we play for them. To have my mother, my children, my father and my wife at the final, we are playing for them. We play for the people who love and support us.”
Bellingham produced a mixed performance in the biggest event of his career, but recorded a crucial assist despite falling below his usual lofty heights.
After Dortmund defender Ian Maatsen carelessly lost the ball, Bellingham pushed Vinicius through and the striker did the rest, tucking into the bottom corner.
Born in Stourbridge, Bellingham came through Birmingham City’s academy before joining Dortmund, where he spent three memorable seasons.
He then moved to Madrid in a deal worth an initial £88.5 million and after a near-perfect first campaign, he is now one of the hot favorites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The superstar was a picture of calm ahead of kick-off after arriving in a sharp suit
Bellingham later donned a custom shirt that read “Champions 15” during the festivities
He appeared stunned at the final whistle before joining his teammates for a celebration on the pitch
Bellingham soon found itself in the middle of the post-match celebrations.
He donned a custom-made shirt emblazoned with ‘Champions 15’ in front of the trophy lift, a nod to Madrid’s 15th Champions League victory, and raised the cup into the air.
Touched by his momentous performance, Bellingham was also seen taking time away from the chaos to enjoy the moment – the crowning achievement of his career.
After being presented with the winner’s medal on stage, Bellingham almost immediately went to his mother and placed the award around her neck.
He will now fly back to Madrid for the club’s raucous parade before enjoying a well-deserved rest before joining the England squad on June 8.
Bellingham has earned 29 caps for the Three Lions, scoring three goals.