- Real Madrid won the Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0
- Jude Bellingham lifted the famous trophy for the first time in his budding career
- Their second goal was one of the great FA Cup goals… Where has this Man United been all season? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Jude Bellingham revelled in the ‘best night’ of his life after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and celebrating with his mum at Wembley.
Bellingham, 20, set up Vinicius Junior for Madrid’s second goal in their 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund and lifted the famous trophy for the very first time.
The midfielder, who will shortly report for duty with England ahead of Euro 2024, has enjoyed a superb debut year in Spain, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.
Superstar Bellingham was also voted LaLiga‘s player of the season and capped off the campaign in style after a touching pitchside reunion with his family.
‘I’ve always dreamed of playing in these games,’ Bellingham told TNT Sports.
‘When it gets hard at times you start to wonder if it’s all worth it – but nights like tonight make it all worth it. It’s got to be up there in terms of the perfect season.
‘I can’t put it into words, it’s the best night of my life.’
Bellingham was visibly emotional after the match during his on-pitch interview with TNT Sports, admitting he was composed until he spotted his family in the crowd.
‘I was alright until I was up in my mum’s and dad’s face… and my little brother who I’m trying to be a role model for,’ he added.
‘The amount of nights where they [his parents] could be at home at 7pm but instead they’re doing trips at 11, 12 at night to take me to football.
‘I can’t have dreamed it much better than this. I just can’t believe it.’
His father Mark and mother Denise were both seen in the stands ahead of kick-off, having arrived at Wembley five hours before the game to cheer on their son.
A constant and inspirational presence during his journey from Birmingham City to the Bernabeu, Bellingham’s family were determined to be part of the atmosphere.
His brother Jobe, on the books at Sunderland, had also taken his seat early.
The family emerged onto the pitch long after the final whistle in a touching reunion, when Denise was afforded the opportunity to take a photo with Jose Mourinho.
‘Special player, special family,’ Mourinho told TNT Sports. ‘To see that family, the way they are there, they are not looking for cameras, they are not looking for the VIP seats, they are just there to support their kid in the most humble way.
‘For me, it’s really beautiful. Family, we play for them, especially in these moments, we play for them. To have mum, my kids, my father, my wife, at the finals, we play for them. We play for the people that love us and support us.’
Bellingham delivered a mixed performance on the biggest occasion of his career but recorded a crucial assist despite dropping below his usual lofty heights.
After Dortmund full back Ian Maatsen carelessly lost possession, Bellingham slotted Vinicius through and the forward did the rest, tucking into the bottom corner.
Born in Stourbridge, Bellingham progressed through the academy at Birmingham City before joining Dortmund, where he spent three memorable seasons.
He then moved on to Madrid in a deal worth an initial £88.5million and after a near-perfect first campaign is now one of the hot favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Bellingham soon found himself in the thick of the post-match celebrations.
He pulled on a customised jersey emblazoned with ‘Champions 15’ for the trophy lift, a nod to Madrid’s 15th Champions League triumph, and thrust the cup into the air.
Touched by his momentous achievement, Bellingham was also spotted taking time away from the chaos to soak up the moment – the crowning glory of his career.
After being handed his winner’s medal on the podium, Bellingham made an almost immediate beeline to his mother and placed the award around her neck.
He will now jet back to Madrid for the club’s raucous parade before enjoying some much-deserved downtime ahead of joining up with England’s squad on June 8.
Bellingham has earned 29 caps for the Three Lions and scored three goals.