Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Madrid's Bellingham: UCL final a lifelong dream

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Monday, 27 May 2024 09:23

Jude Bellingham has said the Champions League final is "a game I've dreamed of all my life" as he prepares to star for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's showpiece at Wembley Stadium.

Bellingham, 20, has already enjoyed a hugely successful debut season in Spain, scoring 19 league goals to help fire Madrid to the LaLiga title.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

The England midfielder will face former club Dortmund in London, having joined Madrid last summer after three seasons with the Bundesliga side.

"It's definitely special," Bellingham said on Monday during Madrid's pre-final media day -- when asked about playing Dortmund.

"But I think the preparation has to be the same as it is for every game... It's important to be me, and not to worry too much about the emotional side."

Bellingham has made 10 Champions League appearances for Madrid this season, scoring four goals, although he hasn't found the net since the group stage.

"I'm really excited. [The final] is a game I've been dreaming of since I started playing football," Bellingham said. "I understand the opportunity and I don't want to waste a second... It's a game I've dreamed of all my life. It would be stupid now to get here and want to hide away from the occasion."

"I've always thought to dream as big as possible," he added. "It's a feeling I've always had growing up, that I wanted to play right at the highest level. I've worked hard, but there's a lot of luck involved as well. I don't shy away from saying how fortunate I've been. Now I'm here, I want to enjoy every moment."

Both Bellingham and teammate Vinícius Júnior have been named as possible Ballon d'Or candidates this season if Madrid win the Champions League.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Vinícius backed veteran midfielder Toni Kroos -- who announced last week that he'll retire this summer -- to receive the award.

"I'd take winning the [Champions League] final, winning the Copa América [with Brazil] and the Ballon d'Or for Toni," Vinícius said. "It's his last season... We have to play for Toni, it's his last game for us. He's an even better person than player."

Alongside Bellingham, Vinícius has starred this season, overcoming early injury problems to become a key figure in Madrid's run to the final.

"At first it was very difficult with my injury," he said. "But you have to take the good from the bad. My injury made me a better player. I've had time to train, to watch games.

"It's been difficult, but I prepared my head to go into the second half of the season. From January, I had to be at my best. I've prepared well, I'm doing the right things and I'm at my best, without doubt."

Read 203 times

Soccer

USWNT's Tullis-Joyce signs new Man Utd contract

USWNT's Tullis-Joyce signs new Man Utd contract

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsUnited States goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has extended her cont...

NWSL seeks to launch second division in 2026

NWSL seeks to launch second division in 2026

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe National Women's Soccer League has formally applied to the U.S....

Guardiola: Winning FA Cup would reduce 'damage'

Guardiola: Winning FA Cup would reduce 'damage'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said winning the FA Cup woul...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Westbrook's early exit adds to Denver injury woes

Westbrook's early exit adds to Denver injury woes

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook left Th...

OKC's historic 26-point rally puts Grizz on brink

OKC's historic 26-point rally puts Grizz on brink

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMEMPHIS, Tenn. -- After Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault...

Baseball

Slow start? Not this year! Francisco Lindor has Mets rolling

Slow start? Not this year! Francisco Lindor has Mets rolling

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- After Francisco Lindor began the season 0-for-11 and hi...

Power Rankings: There's a new No. 1 ... again

Power Rankings: There's a new No. 1 ... again

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWe're just about at the one-month mark of the 2025 MLB season -- me...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated