Jude Bellingham is an English midfielder who has compressed a veteran’s career into his early twenties. Birmingham City retired his shirt number when he left at 17; Borussia Dortmund made him their youngest captain; Real Madrid paid over €100 million for him and watched him conquer Spain and Europe in his first season.
| Full Name | Jude Victor William Bellingham |
| Born | 29 June 2003, Stourbridge, West Midlands, England |
| Age | 23 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Footballer (Real Madrid and England) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m) |
| Known For | Real Madrid midfielder, 2024 Champions League winner, England international |
| Salary | Reported around €20 million per year gross at Real Madrid |
| Net Worth (est.) | Around $50 million (estimates vary) |
Early Life in Stourbridge
Bellingham was born in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, the elder son of Denise and Mark Bellingham. His father, a police sergeant, was also a prolific non-league goalscorer, and football ran through the household — younger brother Jobe has followed Jude into the professional game. Jude joined Birmingham City’s academy at seven, attended Priory School in Edgbaston, and was fast-tracked through every age group, playing under-23 football at 15.
Career Breakthrough: Birmingham and Dortmund
In August 2019, at 16 years and 38 days, Bellingham became Birmingham City’s youngest-ever first-team player. One full season was enough: in the summer of 2020 he chose Borussia Dortmund over Europe’s giants, and Birmingham’s decision to retire his No. 22 shirt — the number representing his blend of a No. 4, No. 8 and No. 10 — made headlines worldwide. In Germany he matured at remarkable speed, won the DFB-Pokal in 2021, captained Dortmund at 19 and was voted the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season for 2022–23, even as Dortmund lost the title on the final day.
Career Highlights: Real Madrid and England
Real Madrid signed Bellingham in June 2023 for an initial €103 million, and he opened his Spanish career with a scoring run that drew comparisons with the club’s greatest names — including a match-winning double in his first Clásico against Barcelona. Despite playing much of the season with a dislocated shoulder, he finished 2023–24 as La Liga’s Player of the Season with a league and Champions League double. For England he has been a fixture since his debut at 17, starring at the 2022 World Cup and scoring the winner in England’s opening game at Euro 2024, where the team reached the final.
Jude Bellingham Net Worth and Salary
Bellingham’s Real Madrid contract was widely reported at around €20 million per year gross — in the region of £330,000 per week before tax — placing him among the club’s top earners while still in his early twenties. His net worth is commonly estimated at around $50 million, supplemented by an Adidas deal that includes his own ‘JB’ signature line and Predator boots. Figures are estimates from public reporting rather than official disclosures, and his earnings are on a steep upward trajectory.
Personal Life
Bellingham’s family remains central to his career: his parents have managed his affairs and image since his teens, and his close bond with brother Jobe — now forging his own career in top-flight football — is a recurring theme of his interviews. He has spoken about deliberately choosing Dortmund and then Madrid for development rather than money, a career strategy that has so far been vindicated at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jude Bellingham?
He was born on 29 June 2003, making him 23 years old in 2026.
What is Jude Bellingham’s salary?
Widely reported at around €20 million per year gross at Real Madrid; exact contract terms are not officially published.
What is Jude Bellingham’s net worth?
Commonly estimated at around $50 million from salary and endorsements — an estimate, not an official figure.
Why did Birmingham City retire Jude Bellingham’s shirt?
When he left for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 aged 17, Birmingham retired his No. 22 to honour his rapid rise and the record fee he brought the club.
Related Biographies
Erling Haaland (his former Dortmund team-mate), Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi — more in our Athletes & Sports Stars collection.
Net worth and salary figures are estimates based on publicly available sources and may change over time.
