Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the standout talents of this World Cup, netting six goals to help England reach the semi-finals. On Wednesday evening at 8 pm in Atlanta, Thomas Tuchel’s England squad face the reigning champions, Argentina, with hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. Should they succeed, their opponent will be either France or Spain in the final set for Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
At just 23, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has cemented his status as a global football superstar, scoring twice in England’s victories over Mexico and Norway. But the Bellingham family’s football story stretches back decades, with Jude’s father, Mark, having played for Cheltenham Town 30 years ago this summer.
Mark Bellingham was a swift striker reputed to run 100 meters in 11 seconds even wearing football boots. Before joining Cheltenham Town from Chelmsford City, he juggled his football career with academics, entering his final year studying war and sports studies at Wolverhampton University. His youth career featured stints at Watford and Charlton Athletic, along with a trial at Leyton Orient.
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At 18, Mark impressed for Chelmsford in a match against Cheltenham in March 1995. Cheltenham’s then-manager Chris Robinson signed him ahead of the 1996/97 Southern League Premier Division season. Mark quickly made his mark in pre-season friendlies, scoring against teams like Evesham United and a Southampton side led by Matt Le Tissier.
His competitive debut saw him assist Cheltenham’s first goal in a 2-0 win over Sittingbourne. His only league goal for Cheltenham came on August 31, 1996, giving the Robins a 1-0 lead against Gravesend & Northfleet, a game that ended 3-1. Despite a promising start, Mark made only eight starts before being loaned to Newport AFC in December. Robinson expressed optimism about his potential but explained the need for a consistent goal scorer was paramount.
After two months at Newport, Mark moved to Halesowen Town. Notably, this transfer coincided with Keith Knight moving the opposite way, becoming Steve Cotterill’s first signing as Cheltenham manager in January 1997. Mark went on to have an incredible non-league career, scoring over 700 goals and playing for clubs including West Midlands Police, Sutton Coldfield Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, and Stourbridge well into his 40s.
Football talent runs strong in the family. Jude’s younger brother Jobe, aged 20, plays for Borussia Dortmund after spells at Birmingham City and Sunderland, and has captained England’s Under-21 team, continuing the Bellingham legacy on the world stage.