Jude Bellingham at 22: Chasing Record for Most UCL Appearances by an Englishman
Jude Bellingham, the talented 22-year-old midfielder, recently made headlines for reaching a significant milestone in the UEFA Champions League. His latest match with Real Madrid ended in a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite the loss, Bellingham achieved a historic feat by becoming the youngest player to play 50 matches in the competition’s history.
Historic Milestone for Jude Bellingham
The match against Liverpool was a challenging one for Real Madrid. Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal in the 61st minute, sealing Liverpool’s victory. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, made eight crucial saves but couldn’t prevent the defeat. Bellingham’s performance, along with his teammates, did not shine as brightly this time.
Key Facts About Bellingham’s UCL Journey
- Age: 22 years old
- Matches played in UCL: 50
- Record previously held by: Iker Casillas
- Current UCL appearances for Real Madrid: 27
- Previous UCL appearances for Borussia Dortmund: 23
Chasing the Record for Most UCL Appearances by an Englishman
As Bellingham aims to become the English player with the most UEFA Champions League appearances, he currently shares the 28th position with Owen Hargreaves at 50 appearances. However, he has a long way to go to surpass the record held by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who played 124 times and won the tournament twice.
Top English Players in Champions League Appearances
| Player | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Scholes | 124 | 24 |
| Gary Neville | 110 | 7 |
| John Terry | 109 | 6 |
Among current players, several notable Englishmen appear in the top twenty for UCL appearances. They include Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Kane, and John Stones. As Bellingham continues his journey, he remains a key figure to watch in the pursuit of reaching the top of this list.
