Jude Bellingham paid tearful tribute to his family after ‘the best night of my night life’ saw England’s international aid Real Madrid wins an unprecedented 15th European Cup.
The midfielder, who will join Gareth Southgate’s team next Saturday ahead of Euro 2024, provided the assist for Real Madrid’s second goal en route to a 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund.
“I can’t put it into words – it’s the best night of my life,” Bellingham said. “I always dreamed of playing in these games. There are so many people who say you can’t do things. But days like today just remind you why, [when] Sometimes it gets a little difficult, you’ll know it was worth it.”
Born in Stourbridge and a product of Birmingham City’s academy, Bellingham spent three seasons at Dortmund before what was a near-perfect first season in Spain.
With 23 goals from midfield and winners’ medals in La Liga and the Champions League, the 20-year-old is also among the favorites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Bellingham was visibly emotional in his post-game interview with TNT Sports to see his parents, Mark and Denise, as well as his younger brother, Jobe, celebrating the triumph.
“I was fine until I was in front of my mom and dad… and my little brother, who I’m trying to be a role model for,” he said. “The number of nights they [my parents] I could be home at 7pm, but instead they’re traveling at 11, 12 at night to take me to football. I couldn’t have dreamed much better than that. I just can’t believe it.”
“I was fine until I saw my mom and dad’s faces there!”
An emotional Jude Bellingham tries to find words to describe his feelings after winning the Champions League #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/byHVn8IzXl
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024
Defeated Dortmund manager Edin Terzic paid tribute to his former player Bellingham after seeing his team move one step closer to glory. “When he left us, I said the same thing I said to Erling Haaland – that I was proud to be their manager,” he said.
“It’s his first Champions League victory and it’s a proud moment for him. I know what Mark, Denise and Jobe are doing to make this family successful. Congratulations to Jude.”
“Many congratulations to him and his family”
Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic reveals what he said to his former player and now European champion Jude Bellingham after the match
@julesbreach | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/D0BomPpC5u
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024
Real Madrid’s victory also meant a fifth Champions League title, extending the record, for their coach Carlo Ancelotti and a Perfect farewell to Bellingham midfield partner Toni Kroos, who will now retire from club football with a sixth Champions League winner’s medal. Real Madrid have won football’s most important club trophy in six of the last 11 seasons.
Ancelotti, who first won the Champions League with AC Milan as a player in 1989 and then as a coach with Milan in 2003, said it didn’t seem real. “It seems like a dream, but it’s not a dream, it’s reality,” he said.
Asked why Real Madrid – who are expected to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer – have been so successful in the Champions League, Ancelotti said: “It’s the history and tradition of this club. The quality of the players, the fact that the club is a family. We have a fantastic environment: players without a big ego, very humble. It wasn’t difficult to manage this squad. I don’t know what we’re going to do [to celebrate]. We won’t sleep for sure.”
Jose Mourinho, who won La Liga with Real Madrid, praised Ancelotti after late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior secured victory. “He’s not a social media coach, he’s a real coach – he comes from a meritocracy,” said Mourinho.
