Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a dream debut season after joining Real Madrid from Dortmund, wrapping up a league win with a Champions League final still to come.
When Jude Bellingham left Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid, his dream first season might have looked almost identical to the one he’s enjoyed in the Spanish capital.
The England international has top-scored for Madrid from midfield. He has secured 18 league goals just two shy of Artem Dovbyk in the race for the Pichichi Trophy for La Liga’s leading scorer. He’s also made his mark in Europe, scoring four times in the group stage before team-mates took centre-stage to lead Los Blancos to the final at Wembley – where they’ll meet his old employers.
He’s also endeared himself to his new fanbase, showing off his Spanish speaking skills to the supporters throughout his first year at the Bernabeu and doing so once more.
And those same fans showed their appreciation on Real Madrid’s trophy parade while Bellingham paid his respects to the loyal supporters.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team wrapped up the title with time to spare when they beat Cadiz last weekend and Barcelona lost to Girona. With three games to go, they have a 15-point lead over Girona.
Real Madrid celebrated winning the LaLiga title, with the team taking an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid to share the trophy with their fans.
The trophy was presented to the players, coach Carlo Ancelotti and president Florentino Perez by Spanish football federation [RFEF] president Pedro Rocha in a behind-closed-doors ceremony at the club’s Valdebebas training ground Sunday morning.
The squad then boarded a bus to visit the headquarters of Madrid’s regional government at Puerta del Sol, in the center of the city, and the town hall. This was before arriving at nearby Cibeles, where they were joined by thousands of fans.
“We have to go to Cibeles, because we’ve won a very difficult league title,” captain Nacho said. “We’re very happy. You have to enjoy the moment because you never know when you’ll win another. It gives you goosebumps going to Cibeles. I’ve been dreaming about this all year.”
“We’ve had a spectacular season,” midfielder Toni Kroos said. “We’ve had difficulties, a lot of injuries. But winning the league early, and with this lead, says a lot about this group. It’s important to celebrate with the fans.”
Madrid’s title win was confirmed last weekend when they beat Cadiz 3-0, followed by Girona’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona. This meant Madrid had an insurmountable 13-point lead with four games left.
It’s the club’s 36th league title, a record in Spanish football.
They will have the chance to add another trophy to their collection next month when they play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London.
“Thank you for your support and your affection this season.” England midfielder Jude Bellingham told the crowd at Puerta del Sol, speaking in Spanish. “One more big game at Wembley, and we’re going to win. Come on, Madrid!”