New Real Madrid signing Jude Victor William Bellingham has been given Zinedine Zidane's shirt number.
The official unveiling event took place at Real Madrid City and began with the showing of a video featuring the midfielder’s best images from England.
Jude Bellingham signed his contract with Real Madrid FC before the presentation ceremony, which he attended with club president Florentino Pérez.
The England international became the most expensive English player on record after a record-breaking deal worth £115 million plus add-ons was finalised on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Jude Bellingham handled the responsibility of donning Zinedine Zidane’s iconic No. 5 shirt at Real Madrid with ease.
Bellingham gave the impression that once Madrid expressed interest in signing him, no other club would have a chance.
The 19-year-old England midfielder, after joining the most successful UEFA Champions League club, will turn 20 years old in the same month that he sealed his move to Spain after playing for Borussia Dortmund for three years.
Bellingham will undoubtedly want to carry on the legacy of the Frenchman who enjoyed league, European, and domestic cup success with Los Blancos in the Spanish capital.
Another obstacle for the 2022–23 Bundesliga Player of the Season is that he will be joining a midfield that is already stacked with young and old world superstars, making it extremely difficult for him to secure a spot in his new team.
In a press conference, Bellingham downplayed comparisons to the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner, saying: “I’m not trying to be the same as him (Zidane). I’m just trying to be Jude. It’s a bit of homage to how great he was. As far as the 22 is concerned, it’s the number I’ve worn and means a lot to me. In my heart, I’m still a 22, but I’m just wearing a 5 on the back. Right now I’m really happy to be given the honour of wearing this number.”
