Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham took his personal tally to 24 Champions League goals and assists in thrashing Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday night – the same distances Lionel Messi managed at the same age.
Bellingham inadvertently headed home Rodrigo's opener in midweek, controlling Vinicius Junior's cross-cut key into the path of the Brazilian who blasted Madrid up front. In the middle of the first half. The pair was definitely on the same wavelength ten minutes later.
The England international threaded a tight pass between two Salzburg players past Rodrigo, who stole first-time into the bottom corner.
Ultimately, Madrid won 5-1, Qualification guarantee To the knockout stages and Carlo Ancelotti gushed: “The individual talent we have is enormous.”
Stop by and watch Jude Bellingham help 🥶#bbcfootball #ucl pic.twitter.com/r5hwyj6un1
– BBC Sport (bbcsport) January 22, 2025
Bellingham's talent is more formidable than most. After Wednesday's heroics, the 21-year-old boasts 13 Champions League wins on top of his 11 goals in Europe's premier club competition. Barcelona icon Exon Messi, as quickly pointed out by many Madrid-leaning spectators, had directly contributed to the same number of Champions League goals before turning 22, scoring 17 and winning seven.
Ultimately, the transcendent striker would end his career in European football with 169 straight Champions League Goal contributions (129 goals, 40 assists) – Only Cristiano Ronaldo can do better. However, the Portuguese striker has had a slow start on the continental stage.
By the time Ronaldo turned 22 in February 2007, he had mustered a grand total of Champions League goals and just six assists for… Manchester United.
no Messi Bellingham does not lead the list of prolific suburbs among Europe's elite. Erling Haaland has accumulated 26 direct contributions before turning 22, while Kylian Mbappe is at the top of his own with 37.
Bellingham doesn't turn 22 until June, and so will the rest of the season to try and make distance with his outrageous teammate.
|
Rank |
player |
U21 goals and assists |
|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Kylian Mbappe |
37 |
|
2. |
Erling Haaland |
26 |
|
3= |
Lionel Messi |
24 |
|
3= |
Jude Bellingham |
24 |
