Why Jude Bellingham feels like a ‘gladiator’ in Real Madrid ‘coliseum’ - with England star loving life at ‘biggest club in the world’

The 20-year-old midfielder knew what he was letting himself in for when agreeing a €103 million (£88m/$111m) transfer to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023. He has become another ‘Galactico’ in the Spanish capital, with 18 goals recorded through 26 appearances.

Bellingham is not the kind of character to let pressure get to him, with the demands of performing in front of an expectant fan base being embraced each and every time that he takes to the field. The Three Lions ace has told Real Madrid TV: “You know that it’s the biggest club in the world, but when you experience it up close it’s spectacular. It is as if you were playing in a coliseum. You feel like a gladiator. It is very special. You can never imagine how big this club is. It is impossible to go out there and not be recognised. The club is a level above.”

Bellingham has been doing his best to integrate on and off the pitch in Spain, with the youngster avoiding falling into the trap that saw questions asked of Gareth Bale throughout the Welshman’s time in Madrid.

Bellingham added: “There are times when I go out to have a coffee near my house or go down town to eat. Then I go back home to rest for a while in the garden if it’s nice and sunny. If my friends are here, we go out to dinner and back home. It’s really nice. You meet people in the places you go to most. They don’t see you as Jude Bellingham the footballer, just Jude who comes to have a coffee and that’s great. The people I meet in the city look after me a lot. I feel at home. When I’m out I’m a reserved person and I don’t like interacting with too many people, since it’s difficult for me because of the language, but I’m always very polite.”

Spanish lessons are something that Bellingham is still trying to master, but his performances on the field suggest that no language barrier will be holding him back. He has already helped Real to Supercopa glory this season and remains in the hunt for La Liga and Champions League title honours.