The meaning of Bellingham's perfect romance at Wembley

From Bellingham's perfect romance at Wembley, it is clear how much the megastar has grown from year to year.

AP PHOTO/JOSE BRETON

The reaction of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham after winning the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu, early Thursday morning on May 9th, 2024.

Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, tried to digest what was happening after the final whistle of the second semi-final match. Both hands held their heads, not yet believing they had qualified for the top match after still trailing on aggregate to Bayern Munich with less than three minutes of normal time left.

It's natural that the 20 year old player is a little confused. Apart from the dramatic match, this is the first time he has qualified for the final of the Champions League. This achievement was achieved in his debut season with Madrid. ”You've always dreamed of that since childhood. I was a little emotional, still shaken. "I needed to let it sink in tonight," Bellingham said.

Interestingly, this season's final party seems destined for a Bellingham. He will have a reunion with Borussia Dortmund, where the English national team player developed from a talented teenager to a megastar worth 100 million euros. The two parties will meet again after parting ways last summer.

However, Dortmund has failed to return to the finals for 11 years. Mats Hummels and his teammates have been struggling since being left by Bellingham, ranking 5th in the German League. Yet, with the majority of young and inexperienced players in the most prestigious tournament, they were able to advance far.

Also read: Bellingham or Kane, Keeper of the "Three Lions" at Wembley

Bellingham also cured the British public's disappointment. None of the host clubs will qualify for the final which will take place at Wembley Stadium. Bellingham, the icon of the "Three Lions", seized the right to appear in public himself from the hands of Bayern striker, Harry Kane, who is the captain of the England national team.

"This is crazy. I can't believe it. It's a very unlikely possibility. It's my first final. In England, against Dortmund. Of course, I am happy (for Dortmund). This is an honor for them. They deserve to be in the final. I'm happy to meet again with some old friends," said Bellingham.

AP PHOTO/JOSE BRETON

Real Madrid's midfielder, Jude Bellingham (left), is battling for the ball with Bayern Munich player, Konrad Laimer, in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, early morning on Thursday (9/5/2024) WIB.

Meanwhile, Bellingham became the first English player to reach the Champions League final with Madrid since Steve McManaman in 2002. This record further proves that he is the best ambassador for the Three Lions. Previously, English players were known for being "home game champions" and less adaptable.

From the perfect romance at Wembley, it can be seen how drastic the evolution and potential of Bellingham is in the future. About four years ago, he left England to move from Birmingham to Dortmund. His status at that time was a "wonderkid" aged 17 who might not necessarily develop as expected.

This is crazy. I do not believe. This is a very difficult possibility to happen. My first final. In England, against Dortmund.

In June, Bellingham will return to England with "El Real". He has become an irreplaceable figure in Madrid and the English national team. Both teams are at the highest level of competition in both club and country. It is also clear that the midfielder has reached the top of the world at a very young age.

Also read: More than Real Madrid's “DNA”

In terms of play, Bellingham is also different from a year ago at Dortmund. He is more versatile at the moment, can play in various positions apart from midfielder. In the match versus Bayern, for example, Bellingham was plotted to play on the left wing. He supported the movement of winger Vinicius Jr.

”He is a special all-round player. He can come phenomenally from the second line, running, defending, has excellent vision, and creates quick transitions. His season (with Madrid) was spectacular. It doesn't matter where he is placed," former Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy told AS.

At the beginning of the season, Bellingham briefly replaced former striker Karim Benzema's role as Madrid's goal machine. The new role was a total success, until England national team manager Gareth Southgate gave Bellingham a more offensive task with the Three Lions. Bellingham has already scored 22 goals and provided 8 assists in 36 matches.

AP PHOTO/MANU FERNANDEZ

Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham (right), celebrates the success of advancing to the Champions League final after defeating Bayern Munich, in the early hours of Thursday (9/5/2024) Western Indonesian Time.

According to Southgate, the most special thing about Bellingham is its competitive spirit. He also showed this in the second semifinal match. According to Spanish media, Cope, Bellingham insisted on appearing even though he had to be injected with a pain reliever in his knee. He finished the match by playing 99 minutes.

Dortmund, which has proven to be a factory for developing young players, has played a big role in developing Bellingham's talent. However, the mega-star is already too big for Dortmund. He needs the best ecosystem like in Madrid to continue growing. This has been proven so far.

Although having a good relationship in the past, Bellingham will not show mercy to his former team at Wembley. After the semifinal match, he immediately put on a jersey with the number 15 turned upside down. The number signifies the number of Champions League trophies Madrid will get if they win in the final match.

Bellingham said that he wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Zinedine Zidane. He hopes to talk a lot in the final and win the "Big Ear Cup". Wembley will be the next proving ground for the Madrid icon, Three Lions ambassador, and Dortmund's best product. (AP/REUTERS)