Jude Bellingham: I go to work like everyone else and it feels normal

At just 20 years old, Jude Bellingham already has the air of a superstar while scoring goals for England and Real Madrid.

Away from the stadium stage, this fearless and formidable player is focused on football rather than fame.

The midfield maestro sat down for an exclusive interview with Sky News, a rarity as he rarely speaks to the media – with his playing career definitely being the priority.

“I have a really good support network — my family, my friends, they keep me really grounded,” Bellingham said. “I don’t feel like I’m a kid at the top of my game… I feel like I go to work every day just like everyone else and I’m honored that I have a job that I enjoy as much as I do.

“My family keeps me grounded and they allow me to enjoy life every day and feel normal when I come home.”

As his status soars, normal life may become more difficult.

The last kick of the game

This trip to the UK has reached another milestone. First goal at Wembley – and a late kick to save a tie in last night’s friendly with Belgium.

There was no victory in this international competition, and pride was mixed with regret.

The immediate priority is to strive for glory at Euro 2024 in Germany in the summer, having reached the final in his first World Cup appearance in 2021.

When asked about his goals: “The trophy. To be able to bring a great experience and great memories of lifting a trophy for my country and my team, Real Madrid.”

Winning the trophy with England would end a drought that dates back to the 1966 World Cup.

“Not the best memories”

Growing up, Bellingham was a football fan and witnessed firsthand the agony of a group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup and the embarrassment of Iceland’s Euro 2016 campaign.

“To be fair, they haven’t been good to England so it’s difficult,” he said. “I always remember watching the games with my family.

“I remember going to Iceland, Italy [Euro 2012 quarter-finals]which was probably the first two times I [memories] Until I got to the next game.

“So from an England fan’s point of view it’s not the best memory.

“But overall, it’s been really fun, going through this with my brother and always saying to each other that one day we’ll be there and hopefully we can be there again this summer.”

The Job brothers, who forged their careers at Sunderland and both started at hometown club Birmingham City, will form part of the family’s long-term support for Jude.

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England have ‘such a good environment’

Within the England squad, Jordan Henderson, currently at Ajax, was one of the players Bellingham turned to to help raise expectations of playing for a national team that had only recently Reaching the peak again.

“You can learn from their pain if you want to,” Bellingham said. “When I spoke to Hendo, who I have a very close relationship with, he told me a lot about how lucky I was to be in this team with such a great environment.

“When he first started playing, it was a little different. I tried to listen to him a lot because he was a role model to me.

“He probably helped me get into the team and he helped me manage that expectation and responsibility.”

The adventurous nature of his career also prepared him for international responsibilities.

He moved from Birmingham to Dortmund during the 2020 pandemic. After winning the German Cup in three seasons, it was time to challenge the king of European football – Real Madrid.

“It’s been really, really tough but also really fun, adapting to life in Spain and taking on more responsibility for Madrid and the national team,” he said.

“I’m just trying to throw myself in and enjoy the experience and, yeah, hopefully improve and grow from it.”

This is the most stressful football environment, but he has become an integral part of the team in his first season and is still expected to win La Liga and Champions League titles.

“I move with the ball”

In 31 games, he has scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists.

“I try to go out there and do my job and help my team win football games,” he said. “People kind of like the style of my playing.

“I move with the ball, which is really cool. I also try to connect with the fans when I play.”

Usually the conversation goes back to club and country.

“I want the fans to feel like I’m another fan playing and representing them, because that’s what it’s about in the end,” he said.

“If they can see me and see someone I can connect with and support, then that will help support the team as well.

“Their support means a lot to us, more than they think. So when the country is positive and the fans are positive, the team plays better.”

He has always been a team player, but all the individual accolades in the game are destined to fill his trophy cabinet one day.

“When I play for England at Wembley or Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, I wake up and have to pinch myself,” he said.

“This is something I never dreamed would happen so early, but I’m grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey.”

He is here to give back to the community.

Since he signed with McDonald’s, being part of the Fun Football program is a sign of his commercial appeal.

But he chose to do so to inspire the next generation and ensure they have access to football – especially those with disabilities.

“What we’re seeing more of now is diversity in football, which is really important,” Bellingham said.

“Gender, race… shouldn’t matter when playing football. It’s great to be here today and see kids, no matter who they are, what background they come from, no matter what disability they have, they can enjoy playing football. The joy of football.”