Jude Bellingham (foto: Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to reach 50 Champions League appearances, surpassing Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, further cementing his status as one of football’s most complete modern midfielders.
Jude Bellingham continues to rewrite Champions League history — and this time, he has surpassed names like Lionel Messi and his own Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé. At just 22 years and 128 days old, Bellingham has become the youngest player ever to reach 50 Champions League appearances, breaking the long-standing club record previously held by Iker Casillas.
It is a remarkable achievement for a player who has been commanding Real Madrid’s midfield with the confidence of a seasoned leader ever since his move from Borussia Dortmund.
Since arriving in Madrid in 2023, Bellingham has not only met the enormous expectations placed upon him — he has surpassed them. He scored in his first four Champions League appearances for the club and quickly became the heartbeat of Carlo Ancelotti’s European-winning side.
His name now sits alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, and Marco Asensio as one of the few Real Madrid players to score on both his La Liga and Champions League debuts.
Bellingham’s list of records is already astonishing. According to Opta, he is also the fourth-youngest captain in Champions League history — having worn the armband for Borussia Dortmund against Sevilla in 2022 at just 19 years and 98 days.
He then made history again in 2023, becoming the youngest player ever to score a 90th-minute goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League — a dramatic winner against Union Berlin.
After recovering from a persistent shoulder injury that affected much of last season, Bellingham has rediscovered his deadly rhythm. He has scored in three consecutive matches, including the decisive strike in the 2-1 El Clásico win over Barcelona.
Most recently, he scored the winning goal against Juventus in the Champions League, and manager Xabi Alonso praised him in glowing terms:
"I'm very happy for Jude. Aside from the goal, he played very well. He is complete — he builds play and finishes moves. He covers so much ground and gives us balance. He’s one of the most complete midfielders in the world."
Former Real Madrid player Pedja Mijatović added: “I think he’s the best player Real Madrid has, along with Mbappé.”
Real Madrid are in extraordinary form this season — with 13 wins in 14 matches — and Bellingham has been at the center of it all. His relationship with the gifted young Arda Güler is emerging as one of the most exciting combinations in Europe.
At only 22 years old, Bellingham’s career trajectory is already drawing comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, Andrés Iniesta, and Steven Gerrard.
If he continues like this, he may one day stand alongside them — not in their shadow, but as their equal.