Team, family, friends: Bellingham proves the road to the top doesn't have to be a lonely one...
One of the most kind and wise people in football. And he's only 20 years old. Jude Bellingham sees his football star lead him to moments and achievements that he deserves beyond measure. And he proves with his character that those around you are important in the "journey", not only what you credit to yourself and your work...
By KONSTANTINOS ZALIARIS
England's first scorer at Euro 2024. Man of the Match in the game, having recorded formidable statistics. Definitive performance to help Southgate's team keep the early lead against the Serbians who looked for ways to "hit" as much as possible to get a result.
The absolute deification again by the international press and by the English fans who clearly see him as a savior, in a set that once again made the fans more concerned with the weaknesses than with the talent that has this potential that the national team's coach is called upon to manage.
So let's count together...
Champion of Spain. European champion. He has been captain at Dortmund. He has been player of the year in Bundesliga and LaLiga. He has seen his jersey retired in Birmingham. He has won the Golden Boy award. He has scored in a World Cup. He also did it in the European Championship.
One could imagine that all this is the result of hard work, sacrifice of life moments and many things, and absolute dedication to the cause, with isolation and walking on a road that is lonely. Many say, after all, that the road to the top is most often difficult because it involves loneliness. Not everyone can follow you in what you do in order to succeed.
And somewhere here comes Jude Bellingham with words that cause... mental relief and offer another dimension. With his formidable character, the 20-year-old midfielder pays tribute to those around him and makes sure he stays grounded.
"It could be worse..." he joked when asked "What's it like to be ... you?" shortly after the 1-0 win over Serbia.
The most important part of his statements, however, is hidden in the following reference:
“I am a product of some wonderful people. I have tremendous support from my family, my friends, my teammates both at Real Madrid and the national team. And all this just helps me to focus on football and enjoy it. My support environment is awesome. So football is the simplest thing in front of all that."
He neither wanted to brag, nor to emphasize that he has achieved everything alone, nor to emphasize that the people around one leave during the journey. He is surrounded by the right people and football remains a game...