Jude Bellingham's incredible journey from Birmingham City wonderkid to World Cup star

Black Country star Jude Bellingham has continued to make history this summer, playing a key role in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.

The 23-year-old became the second-youngest player after Pele to score in back-to-back World Cup knockout matches last Saturday and is now preparing for England’s huge semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday night.

His World Cup heroics are the latest chapter in what has already been a remarkable rise for the Stourbridge-born midfielder, who has broken numerous records since bursting on to the scene with Championship side Birmingham City in 2019.

Here is a look at some of the key dates, statistics and milestones from his career so far.

16 years and 38 days - Birmingham City debut

August 6, 2019, Bellingham became the youngest player in Birmingham City's history, beating the record of 16 years and 139 days set by Trevor Francis is September 1970.

16 years and 63 days - first goal for Birmingham City

Less than four weeks after his first appearance for the Blues, Bellingham scored his first goal for the club in his side's 2-1 win over Stoke City on August 31.

£25 million - move to Borussia Dortmund

The initial fee paid by German club Borussia Dortmund when they bought Bellingham in July 2020, a deal that made him the most expensive 17-year-old in football history.

22 shirt

After his move to the Bundesliga giants was confirmed, Birmingham City announced it was retiring his 22 shirt.

"In such a remarkably short space of time Jude has become an iconic figure at Blues, showing what can be achieved through talent, hard work and dedication," Birmingham City said.

"His caring, humble and engaging off-the-field demeanour has also made him such an impressive role model. The 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities.

"And as such the club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others."

Bellingham continued to wear the number 22 shirt at Dortmund and when playing for England.

17 years and 77 days - goalscoring Borussia Dortmund debut

On his Borussia Dortmund debut, Bellingham became the youngest scorer in the club's history in a 5-0 win over MSV Duisburg in the DFB-Pokal

17 years and 113 days - Champions League debut

October 20 2020 saw Bellingham became the youngest English player in Champions League history when he started in Dortmund's 3-1 defeat at Italian side Lazio. His appearance beat the record by England teammate Phil Foden.

England debut

Aged 17 years and 136 days, Bellingham made his England debut on November 12, 2020, becoming the third-youngest player to appear for the Three Lions. England beat Ireland 3-0 in the friendly match.

Euro 2020

When Bellingham, aged 17 years and 349 days, made a substitute appearance in England's Euro 2020 opener over Croatia last summer, he became the youngest ever player to appear in the European Championship finals for any nation, and the youngest English player to play in any major tournament.

First trophy

Jude Bellingham won the first medal of his senior career on May 13 2021 when Borussia Dortmund won the DFB-Pokal , the German cup competition. Dortmund beat RB Leipzig 4-1, a match Bellingam started.

19 years and 146 days - first England goal

Bellingham marked his first World Cup appearance with his first England goal on November 21, getting on the end of Luke Shaw's cross to head Gareth Southgate's side ahead in their opening group game against Iran.

Dortmund brilliance

In his three seasons, he netted 24 times in 123 games, was named in the team of the season twice, was named Bundesliga player of the season as well as winning the German Cup.

While at Dortmund, he featured for England in the 2022 World Cup, having quickly established himself in the international set up.

Then after three years in Germany, he was set for a move to arguably the world's greatest club.

Real Madrid move

In June 2023, Belingham signed a six year deal at Madrid for a reported £89m, which would rise with add ons.

The deal also provided a big boost to Blues, who netted a £6m sell on as part of the clause.

The transfer was the third highest English transfer of all time - and made Bellingham the sixth English player to sign for Madrid.

First year at Madrid

He was handed Zinedine Zidane's iconic number five shirt and like he had done all his career - grasped his opportunity with both hands.

He scored 23 goals in 42 games across all competitions during his first season there - helping his side to an historic treble, including the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup.

And he added a string of individual honours to that, winning La Liga player of the season and Champions League young player of the season.

His performances were recognised with third-place finishes in both the Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Men's Player.

Euro 2024

England were tipped as one of the favourites for Euro 2024. Individual moments of brilliance from Bellingham helped them to the final where they suffered defeat to Spain.

He netted the winner in the opening group games against Serbia - before saving England at the death in their extra time victory over Slovakia with a spectacular overhead kick in the 95th minute.

World Cup 2026

The boy from the Black Country, who has become a global superstar, has already surpassed 50 international caps for England.

Bellingham scored two goals for the second game running in England's 2-1 win over Norway last Saturday night.

The Real Madrid midfielder leads England for goals, goal involvements, big chances, take-ons, sprints and runs in behind ahead of the semi-final against Argentina.

Alongside his string of accolades and impressive performances at the World Cup so far, Bellingham is also the youngest European to appear at four men's major tournaments.

Furthermore, he is the second-youngest player after Pele to score twice in back-to-back World Cup knockout games.