The highly anticipated signing of Jude Bellingham is a sweet reward for Real Madrid's efforts in the 2023 summer transfer window. A young and elegant English gentleman with a sincere and warm demeanor, he is truly deserving of becoming a new member of the Spanish royal team. Bellingham has successfully erased the gruff image that Gareth Bale once left behind.
Historically, English players have taken pride in only competing in the Premier League - the most glamorous and attractive league on the planet - without feeling the need to go elsewhere. As a result, there have been very few successful English players who ventured abroad and became global icons, with Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham being rare examples.
English players are often seen as proud, difficult to get along with, conservative, and only speaking English. This is precisely what Gareth Bale demonstrated during his time at Real Madrid since his record-breaking transfer in the summer of 2013. Despite Bale's numerous contributions to Real's five Champions League titles, he is remembered by the Madrid faithful as an arrogant figure who tarnished the image of the Spanish royal club.
However, Bellingham brings an entirely different perception. He surprised everyone in the dressing room with his polite, humble, and amiable character. This contrasts with what Welsh players have shown, as Bale even annoyed other newcomers to La Liga due to his lack of integration. In just one week, Bellingham managed to convey a message that others might take a lifetime to achieve. He came to Madrid, saw Madrid, and won Madrid's love with his football talent and genuine attitude.
Diverging from the typical image of English players struggling to adapt to Spanish language and culture, Bellingham arrived at Valdebebas as if he were returning to his own home. Bale had never shown any interest in learning Spanish and only communicated with teammates using body language. Bellingham demonstrated that Spanish would not be a barrier for him, having learned the language until he was 13 years old, providing a solid foundation. David Beckham himself advised Bellingham to master Spanish if he wanted to be cheered by the Bernabeu crowd.
Bellingham was quickly adored by the Real dressing room for his approachability and friendliness. From chatting with English-speaking players to playfully interacting with even the local players from day one. He referred to Brahim Diaz as "tiểu đệ" (little brother) in Spanish on Instagram, and Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vazquez were captured in a humorous moment with Bellingham during a training session. Even Joselu, on his first day back after vacation, posted a picture with Bellingham on Instagram while sitting together in the gym, illustrating their great harmony.
Bellingham's prior experience of moving to Dortmund (Germany) from a young age helped him bypass the stages of adaptation, assimilation, and learning. Hence, his maturity was evident, and in many aspects, he showed the demeanor of an experienced player.
Before starting the preseason preparation in Madrid, Bellingham had dinner with Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler. He also had an admirable gesture towards fans from his hometown of Birmingham when meeting them at an Adidas booth, patiently signing autographs for young admirers with a smile always on his face.
Clearly, Real Madrid has signed a top-class English superstar, a professional player with exemplary behavior and perfection at all times and places. He has also overshadowed any stories about some gruff Welshman.
