England and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has demonstrated his remarkable character through a touching gesture towards Borussia Dortmund legend Paul Lambert, revealing the humble nature behind the global football phenomenon.
The Text Message That Said Everything
Paul Lambert, who famously won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997, has shared a revealing story about his interaction with the young Bellingham during the midfielder's time at the German club. Lambert recalled how Bellingham went out of his way to show respect to the Dortmund icon during a visit to the club.
"I just saw a really humble, really nice kid," Lambert told Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction. "He actually wrote me a text one day, a few years back when I was at a Dortmund game."
The message from the then-teenage Bellingham read: "Paul I don't know if you collect jerseys, but I'd like to give you mine after the game." True to his word, Bellingham presented Lambert with his match-worn shirt immediately after the final whistle.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Bellingham's journey to becoming one of football's most valuable players began at Birmingham City, where he made his first-team debut at just 16 years old. His exceptional talent quickly attracted attention from Europe's top clubs, leading to his £25 million transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Despite his youth, Bellingham made an immediate impact at Dortmund, forming formidable partnerships with attacking talents like Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho. During his three-year spell at Signal Iduna Park, he made 132 appearances and helped the club win the 2021 DFB-Pokal.
Lambert humorously recalled the moment he received the jersey, noting: "It was soaking wet... I just said to him the secret of a good player is not to get that much sweat on your jersey!"
A Legacy in the Making
The timing of this gesture proved particularly significant, occurring shortly before Bellingham earned his first England cap. Since that meeting with Lambert, the midfielder has gone on to collect 46 international caps and represent England in three major tournaments, including reaching two European Championship finals.
Lambert never doubted Bellingham's potential, recalling their conversation: "I remember seeing Jude in the dressing room area, and it's funny because you forget how young they are at the time, but he was calling me a legend, and all of that kind of thing. I just said to him, 'No, my time's gone; it's your time to go and do what you've got to do.'"
Bellingham's family legacy continues through his younger brother Jobe, who followed in Jude's footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland this summer. Lambert expressed hope that Jobe might emulate his brother's success, saying: "Hopefully his brother does the same."
Reflecting on the value of that sweat-soaked jersey today, Lambert joked: "Now he's gone on to do what he's done in the game, it's probably worth a few quid, but I might just keep it! It was really kind of him to do that for me, though, and I think it says a lot about the type of person he is."
This heartwarming revelation comes as Bellingham prepares to help England challenge for World Cup glory next summer, carrying with him the same humility that characterised his early days at Borussia Dortmund.
