Jude Bellingham was always destined to become a superstar and could become one of the most successful players in English football history, according to his former England youth coach Richie Kyle.
Early Promise at Birmingham City and Dortmund
The 23-year-old midfielder rose to prominence after breaking into Birmingham City's senior squad in 2019 at age 16. After 44 appearances for the Championship club, Borussia Dortmund signed him in 2020, where he further enhanced his reputation as one of the world's best young players.
In July 2023, Bellingham became the third most-expensive teenager in history when he joined Real Madrid for an initial €103 million (£88.3 million). Despite interest from Manchester City and Liverpool, he chose the Spanish giants, where he has since won the Champions League and La Liga.
International Impact Ahead of World Cup Clash
Bellingham has also excelled for England, amassing two goals and an assist ahead of the last-16 World Cup match against Mexico. He is expected to start in Thomas Tuchel's lineup.
Former PE teacher Richie Kyle, now assistant head coach at Bolton Wanderers, revealed what made Bellingham stand out at 16. 'Jude is one of the most unique players I have ever come across,' Kyle told Mirror Football. He coached Bellingham alongside Jamal Musiala, Levi Colwill, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, and Harvey Elliott.
Maturity Beyond His Years
'But Jude was a man beyond his years at 16. He was so mature. You come across a lot of these kids now and they aren't necessarily shy, but they can't communicate. I have always found that communicating is becoming less and less due to social media and due to technology, but Jude was just a freak; it was like speaking to a 28-year-old sometimes,' Kyle said.
'And that was just him off the bench. Even when we were doing reviews after games, he would stand up and tell the group what we should have done and how we can improve.'
Athleticism and Potential
On the pitch, Kyle described Bellingham as an 'athletic specimen.' 'It was his mobility. He had the athleticism to get box-to-box, and every tournament that we went to there were European scouts looking at Jude and other players as well, but Jude was always the one who stood out and you thought would get to the top,' he added.
'It was more a case of how quick he would get there, and I wasn't surprised he got to Real Madrid as quickly as he did. Do I think there is more to come? I have total faith in his ability and he could be one of the most successful players in the history of English football if he wants to be.'
