In England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, Jude Bellingham once again proved that he is made for football’s biggest moments. The 23-year-old scored both goals as the Three Lions came from behind to win 2–1 after extra time, securing their place in the semi-finals. With six goals already in the tournament, the Real Madrid midfielder has become one of England’s brightest hopes of lifting the trophy once again. From his record-breaking beginnings to his growing fashion influence, here are five things to know about the football star

He began breaking records at Birmingham City

Photo: Getty Images

Bellingham’s journey began at Birmingham City, the boyhood club whose academy he joined at seven. His rise through the ranks was remarkably quick: he made his senior debut at 16 and became both the youngest first-team player and youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. After making 44 appearances during his breakthrough campaign, he left for Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Birmingham marked his departure by retiring his number 22 shirt when he was just 17—an unusual honour that reflected how strongly the club believed in his potential.

Football runs through the Bellingham family

Photo: Instagram @england

Footballing talent runs deep in the Bellingham family. Jude’s father, Mark, balanced his career as a police sergeant with a prolific spell in English non-league football, reportedly scoring more than 700 goals and becoming one of his son’s earliest influences. His mother, Denise, has been equally important, moving with Jude to Germany and later Spain while helping him stay grounded. Meanwhile, his younger brother Jobe has followed him into the professional game, joining Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland in 2025 and continuing the family’s remarkable footballing journey.

He shares a close friendship with Erling Haaland

Photo: Instagram @judebellingham

Notably, Bellingham also shares a close friendship with Erling Haaland, having played alongside him at Borussia Dortmund between 2020 and 2022. Their contrasting strengths made them an exciting partnership: Bellingham drove the team forward with his energy and creativity in midfield, while Haaland supplied the explosive finishing up front. Together, they helped Dortmund win the German Cup in 2021. Their bond continued after they moved to Real Madrid and Manchester City, adding an emotional layer to England’s quarter-final against Norway, where the former teammates found themselves competing on opposite sides.

He became an immediate star at Real Madrid

Photo: Instagram @judebellingham

Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Dortmund in 2023, taking on the number five shirt once worn by legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane. Despite the enormous expectations surrounding the move, he settled almost immediately, scoring 19 league goals during his debut season and helping Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League. His late runs into the box, physical presence and instinct for decisive goals quickly made him one of the team’s biggest attacking threats. By July 2025, he had already reached 100 appearances and collected five trophies with the club.

His influence reaches into fashion

Photo: Louis Vuitton

Away from the pitch, Bellingham has become one of football’s most visible fashion figures. A regular presence in Adidas campaigns, he expanded the partnership in 2026 with signature footwear and apparel, including a Jude Bellingham x Y-3 project. His relationship with Louis Vuitton has also continued to grow, with the maison recognising him as a Friend of the House. He starred alongside actor Callum Turner in its Spring/Summer 2026 pre-collection campaign before fronting the house’s New Formal tailoring collection, further cementing his style credentials.

Also see: 5 things to know about Orm Kornnaphat, the Thai star of "In Love Forever"