Jude Bellingham had the ‘best night’ of his life after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and celebrating with his mother at Wembley.
Bellingham, 20, set up Vinicius Junior for Madrid’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.
The midfielder, who will soon report for duty with England ahead of Euro 2024, had a fantastic debut season in Spain, scoring 23 goals across all competitions.
Bellingham was also named LaLiga’s player of the season, and he ended the season in style with a heartfelt pitchside reunion with his family.
‘I’ve always wаnted to play in these games,’ Bellingham told TNT Sports.
Bellingham celebrated the sensational triumph with his family on the Wembley Stadium pitch
Bellingham and his mother stayed on the Wembley pitch well after the final whistle.
‘When things get tough, you wonder if it’s all worth it; however, nights like tonight make it all worthwhile. It has to be up there in terms of the best season.
‘I can’t put it into words; this is the best night of my life.’
Bellingham was visibly emotional after the game during his on-field interview with TNT Sports, admitting he was calm until he saw his family in the crowd.
‘I was fine until I was up in front of my mother and father… and my younger brother, for whom I’m trying to be a role model,’ he said.
‘There are nights when they [his parents] could be at home at 7 p.m., but instead they’re taking me to football at 11, 12 p.m.
‘I couldn’t have imagined anything better than this. I simply can’t believe it.
His father, Mark, and mother, Denise, were both seen in the stands prior to kickoff, having arrived at Wembley five hours before the game to support their son.
Bellingham’s family, a constant and inspirational presence on his journey from Birmingham City to the Bernabeu, were determined to be a part of it.
His Sunderland-registered brother, Jobe, had also taken an early seat.
In a touching reunion, the family emerged onto the pitch long after the final whistle, with Denise able to take a photo with Jose Mourinho.
“Special player, special family,” Mourinho told TNT Sports. ‘To see that family, the way they are there, they are not looking for cameras or VIP seats; they are simply there to support their child in the most humble manner.
“For me, it’s really beautiful. We play for our families, especially at times like this. We play in the finals for my mother, children, father, and wife. We play for those who love and support us.
Bellingham had a mixed performance on the biggest stage of his career, but he did record a crucial assist despite falling short of his usual high standards.
After Dortmund fullback Ian Maatsen carelessly lost possession, Bellingham played Vinicius through, and the forward did the rest, tucking it into the bottom corner.
Bellingham was born in Stourbridge and progressed through Birmingham City’s academy before joining Dortmund, where he spent three memorable seasons.
He then moved to Madrid for an initial fee of £88.5 million, and after a near-perfect debut season, he is now one of the favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
