David Beckham leaves Jude Bellingham feeling ‘a bit uglier’ as Real Madrid & England superstar reflects on ignoring advice to never meet your heroes

Current England star Bellingham followed in the footsteps of ex-Three Lions captain Beckham when making his own move to Santiago Bernabeu in 2023. The 21-year-old has been a revelation in Spain, scoring 23 goals in his debut campaign while claiming La Liga and Champions League titles.

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  Those exploits have earned praise from Beckham, who has mimicked Bellingham’s famous celebration on social media, while also securing the honour of becoming a cover star for EAFC 25. As part of the promotional campaign for that game, Bellingham linked up with Beckham – who boasts his own ‘Icon’ card.

  • WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

    Speaking on his ‘Out of the Floodlights’ YouTube series, Bellingham has said of rubbing shoulders with Becks: “It’s an honour really you know. There’s always that thing about don’t meet your heroes and he’s [Beckham’s] one that I’ve met and I’ve actually thought ‘He’s amazing and he seems like a really down to earth guy’ regardless of how famous he is and what he’s achieved in his career and in his life. He makes me look a little bit uglier, but you can learn to deal with that if it’s on the cover of video games.”

  • EA Sports

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Bellingham added on becoming the face of EA Sports’ latest release in their FC franchise: “I’ve played every single EA since I was six, seven. Some of your best memories are sitting around a tiny little telly with a couple of controllers on their last legs because they’ve been bashed around the room, having games with players you never think you’d play against – you never think you’d meet. And then all of a sudden, I’m on the cover and I’m meeting and playing amongst these players. It’s really surreal and I’m really grateful that I’ve been given a chance to do it.”

  • WHAT NEXT?

    Bellingham has had to overcome the odd injury issue this season, as a long-standing shoulder problem continues to trouble him, but he does form part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at present and remains a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.