JUDE BELLINGHAM has become the youngest ever Englishman to play in the Champions League after appearing for Borussia Dortmund last night.
Bellingham, 17, made history when he starred in his side’s loss to Lazio in the Champions League tie.
Bellingham has become the youngest ever Englishman to feature in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The youngest English players to appear in the Champions League
The record was previously held by Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who made his appearance in 2017 against Shakhtar Donetsk.
He was 17 and 192 days at the time while Bellingham pipped him at 17 and 113 days.
Bellingham signed for Dortmund in the summer from Birmingham City for £25million.
He snubbed the advances of both Manchester United and Bayern Munich to join the club and stated their history of youth development as the reason.
Upon joining he said: “BVB’s path, but especially how they help young players to improve, made the decision very easy for me personally and for my whole family.”
His departure from Birmingham was marred with controversy as he was abused by a racist during his final game at the club, forcing him to leave the field in tears.
After the game he said: “”Not the way I wanted to go out. Gave everything but wasn’t to be.”
Despite breaking the age record, the youngster’s Champions League introduction was bitter-sweet as Dortmund were thrashed 3-1 in the tie.
Immobile makes it 1-0 against DortmundCredit: AP:Associated Press
Immobile celebrates his goal with team-matesCredit: Rex Features
Haaland pulls one back for DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Haaland’s goal gives Dortmund some hopeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Akpro makes it 3-1 putting the game out of sight for DortmundCredit: EPA
Akpro and team-mates celebrate the winning strikeCredit: EPA
Dortmund found themselves behind after just six minutes when Ciro Immobile struck for the home side.
An own goal in the 23rd minute from keeper Marwin Hitz, who deflected the ball into the net, increased the deficit to two goals to nil.
United transfer target Erling Braut Haaland gave the visitor’s a glimmer of hope when he scored in the 71st minute, bringing the game to 2-1.
But Dortmund’s joy was short-lived when Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro struck just five minutes later, making it 3-1 and putting the game out of the German side’s grasp.
Jude Bellingham targeted by sick racist after leaving field in tears during final Birmingham game before £30m transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
