Bellingham-“I want to make a small part of history with this team,”

A Champions League final is never just another game. For Toni Kroos, it will be his last in a Real Madrid shirt. The German maestro, along with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, and Nacho, is on the verge of securing a sixth European Cup title—a feat matched only by the legendary Paco Gento. But this match holds even more significance for Jude Bellingham, as he faces his past and future in a single, monumental clash.

Bellingham will take on Borussia Dortmund, the club that shaped his early career, and Real Madrid, his current and future home. “I want to make a small part of history with this team,” Bellingham said, fully aware of the weight of the Champions League for Real Madrid. “What impressed me the most during my signing was seeing the 14 European Cups. It made me want to pick one up,” he recalled from his presentation on June 15, when he first donned the iconic white jersey at Valdebebas.

This Saturday at Wembley, Bellingham will have the opportunity to achieve that dream. Wembley holds special memories for him, having scored there for England. It’s also where Dortmund last reached a Champions League final in 2013, when Bellingham was only nine. Now, the stage is set for him to face his former club in the most significant match of his career.

Time at Dortmund

Bellingham’s time at Borussia Dortmund is filled with cherished memories. He played 132 games in the yellow jersey, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists. He won his first title, the DFB Pokal in 2020-21, and since joining Real Madrid, he has added the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga titles to his collection. Borussia’s leadership respected his decision to move on. “I spoke with Borussia so that everything would be quick,” he said after signing for Madrid.

At Real Madrid, Bellingham is living his dream, celebrating La Liga triumph passionately at Cibeles, even addressing the crowd in Spanish. However, he knows the ultimate prize is the Champions League. “Real Madrid means the European Cup; it is the title they always want to win,” says Bellingham, who proudly wears the number 5 jersey.

“Playing these types of games is why I am here. I always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid and scoring goals,” said the English international, who has netted 23 goals in his debut season with Los Blancos.

Wembley Challenge

Bellingham understands that the challenge at Wembley is a collective one, requiring the best from every player and the entire coaching staff. “The important thing is that we play at our highest level. When we reach that level, it is difficult for the rest of the teams. Our staff is analyzing everything to win; I trust them 100%,” he affirmed.

Wembley will bring Bellingham’s past and present head-to-head—Borussia Dortmund, the club that nurtured his talent, and Real Madrid, the club where he aims to make history. This final represents a pivotal moment in his career, one where he hopes to forever etch his name into footballing folklore. For Jude Bellingham, this is the dream final, a chance to cement his legacy in the annals of football.