Jude Bellingham tells the Zinedine Zidane story behind his love for the number five jersey

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has shed light on why he proudly dons the number five jersey, citing a heartfelt connection to football legend Zinedine Zidane, Soccernet.football reports.

In an exclusive interview with UEFA ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, Bellingham delved into the sentimental backstory of his jersey choice.

After a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg, Bayern Munich, boasting six European titles, are set to challenge Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bellingham’s pivotal role in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph this season positions him as a key figure in the upcoming encounter.

Reflecting on his jersey selection, Bellingham shared a touching anecdote about his father, who originally sported the iconic number five shirt of Real Madrid, previously worn by Zinedine Zidane.

“My dad always wore a Real Madrid shirt at home with Zidane ‘s number 5 on it,” Bellingham said.

“It’s funny because the story has flipped, and he gave it to me as a present when I signed in the summer.

“I used to ask him who the player on the shirt was and he told me that when I grew up we’d see it on YouTube. Now that I’m wearing the number 5, it’s a great story.”

Bellingham, who switched from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid at the season’s onset, has emerged as the club’s leading goal scorer, with 18 impressive goals in La Liga.

Real Madrid clinched their 36th La Liga title this season, amassing 87 points, leaving contenders like Girona and Barcelona trailing in their wake.

Speaking of his contribution to Real Madrid following an excellent campaign, Bellingham remarked, “I enjoy being a Real Madrid player, through the good times and the bad times when you have to pick yourself up and try again.

“Everything to do with playing at the highest level at such a big club is incredible for me. You have to enjoy the feeling of being in the trenches and know that it’s not a good time but take responsibility and help the team out of those bad moments. I’ve managed to do that this season and the team has managed to do it with other players stepping up, and that’s why we’ve done so well.

“Those games when it looked like they were going to be drawn or defeated, and someone has managed to turn things around.”

Bellingham previously wore the number 22 shirt at Dortmund and has been bestowed the number ten kit with the England national team.