At the age of 16, Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to debut for Birmingham City's senior team. By the age of 17, he earned a call-up to the England national team. And at just 19 years old, he became a Galactico at Real Madrid. Bellingham's rapid rise to success has left many people in disbelief.
The heir of Duncan Edwards at the age of 16 In August 2019, Bellingham made his debut on the world football stage as the youngest player to feature for Birmingham City's senior team. He was hailed as a midfield prodigy, the brightest prospect that England had seen in generations.
Bellingham had been a part of Birmingham's youth academy since the age of 7, and throughout the following decade, clubs from all over England tried to recruit him.
However, Bellingham remained loyal. He loved Birmingham, and Birmingham loved him back. This midfielder was born in Stourbridge, a small town located 10 miles southwest of Birmingham city.
This town is situated in the Dudley district, where Duncan Edwards was born and laid to rest. Edwards was a legendary figure in English football. At only 21 years old, he became the shining star of both Manchester United and the England national team. Many predicted that he would achieve all the glory a player could dream of.
Perhaps he, not Bobby Moore, would be the one lifting the World Cup for England in 1966. But in 1958, he tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster, which claimed the lives of 8 members of the Manchester United team under manager Matt Busby.
Edwards possessed strength, versatility, skill, physicality, and speed. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by an unforeseen accident. Now, all the hopes of the people of Dudley rest on Bellingham's shoulders.
A wise choice at the age of 17 When Bellingham decided to leave Birmingham in 2019, two surprises emerged. First, he chose to join Borussia Dortmund instead of Manchester United, opting to develop outside of England and the Premier League.
Traditionally, English footballers have not been very successful when playing abroad. However, that perception has started to change in the modern era, and Dortmund, in particular, has been a perfect destination for English players. They have built their reputation by nurturing young talents and allowing them to leave at the right time for significant transfer fees.
Winger Jadon Sancho left Manchester City's academy to join Dortmund in 2017 without playing a single minute in the Premier League. After 4 years, he returned as an England international and one of the most sought-after players in world football. Erling Haaland also honed his skills at Dortmund before making his mark in the Premier League in the past season.
Bellingham is following in their footsteps, and it is a smart strategy. For young players, regular playing time is crucial. Bellingham quickly acclimated himself in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Now, he has the confidence to wear the iconic white jersey.
The second surprise following Bellingham's £25 million transfer to Dortmund was Birmingham's announcement that they would retire his number 22 shirt permanently.
Such an honor is rare in English football, even for retired legends. To do so for a 17-year-old player with less than 50 appearances is unprecedented. But Birmingham had its reasons..
