The England midfielder made the most of some valuable down time before what is likely to be a hectic 2024
He was always going to be good, but very few would have wagered that Jude Bellingham would, five months into his Real Madrid career, be the presumptive frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or. Yet here he is, the 20-year-old from Solihull dominating Spain's top-flight, and having an immense impact as his Madrid side attempt to piece together yet another successful Champions League campaign.
But after such an awe-inspiring start to life at Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham has had chance to take a breath. Unlike the Premier League, La Liga grants its players a two-week break around Christmas. Madrid played their last game on December 21, and won't take the field again until Wednesday, when they host Mallorca.
Bellingham seems to have made the most of his holiday, too, utilising every minute of his time off as he returned to England to support his brother, enjoy a brief respite at Christmas, and ultimately prepare for what will be another taxing six months.
Getty Images'A Christmas miracle!'
Madrid looked certain to drop points in their final match before the winter break. Los Blancos had tried everything to beat Alaves as Bellingham himself was thwarted time and time again. The unlikely winner came from an even less predictable source, as Lucas Vazquez — all 5'8 of him — rose to head home a 92nd-minute goal, and send his side to the top of the table.
Bellingham, for his part, dubbed it a "Christmas miracle." Not a bad way to start the break.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesChecking in on little brother
There is an immense amount of pressure on Jobe Bellingham. The Sunderland starlet is a talented footballer in his own right, but he will never not be compared to his Ballon d'Or-competing older sibling.
It is a good thing, then, that Jude has always been supportive of his brother — who is enjoying a breakout season in the Championship at the age of 18. And Jude continued that trend on December 23, showing up to watch his brother take on Coventry City at the Stadium of Light less than 48 hours after the final whistle of the Alaves win.
A follow-up trip
Jude, of course, cut his own teeth in the Championship, and his tour continued on Boxing Day after he spent Christmas Day with his family. Bellingham was spotted in the stands once more as Sunderland traveled to Hull City — their first away trip under new manager Michael Beale. The Black Cats came out on top, too, with a late winner erning them a 1-0 victory in what could yet prove to be a crucial three points in their promotion push.
And Jude earned favour with Sunderland fans on social media for not only donning a red and white scarf, but also for going wild when Jack Clarke's winner rippled the net.
Receiving a high-profile shoutout
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's son, Saint, hasn't been short of football experience — despite his young age. Just eight-years-old, the youngster has been pictured at Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami games, each time repping a kit of some of the biggest names in the sport.
And Bellingham appears to be the celebrity child's newest favourite, as Kim herself posted a picture of her son wearing a No.5 Bellingham Real Madrid shirt that he presumably received as a Christmas gift.
@kimkardashian Instagram