Jude Bellingham has already become a household name in Madrid for his performances for the club and to add to his aura, his open-arms celebration is also gaining prominence among the fans.
This unique display of jubilation has sparked considerable debate among online enthusiasts, who have been avidly speculating about its origins and backstory.
Recently, fresh speculation has emerged, with fans drawing intriguing connections to none other than Lionel Messi. A fan page dedicated to FC Barcelona posted a video asserting that Jude Bellingham’s celebration was influenced by Lionel Messi.
In this video, Messi can be observed celebrating similarly after scoring a goal at Nou Camp in a UEFA Champions League match against Chelsea.
So Jude Bellingham got his celebration after this messi goal..pic.twitter.com/EYAYgaEk7B
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) September 20, 2023
Upon closer examination, some fans noted that the angle of Messi’s hand in this specific video differed slightly from Bellingham’s celebration. However, others chimed in with a different example that appeared to align more closely with Bellingham’s distinctive gesture.
The reference in question harks back to December 2017 during El Clásico, where Messi celebrated by extending his arms wide in front of Real Madrid fans at Santiago Bernabéu. This exuberant display followed his second goal, scored via a penalty, in a resounding 3-0 victory over Los Blancos.
He did this celebration in Santiago Bernabéu 3-0 pic.twitter.com/sSHJf38eU2
— MHMD (@HMR1o) September 20, 2023
It’s noteworthy that at the time of Messi’s memorable celebration, Jude Bellingham was just 14 years old. Given the impressionable age and the lasting impact of Messi’s gesture, it’s plausible that Bellingham was influenced by this iconic celebration, which remains a cherished memory among FC Barcelona faithful.
When did Jude Bellingham start doing his celebration?
Back in 2019, Bellingham was making his breakthrough at Birmingham City in England and just like Real Madrid, he came out all guns blazing for the English club, with two goals in the first two games.
It was in his second appearance for the club, facing Charlton, that Bellingham notched his second goal for Birmingham. What made this moment remarkable was not just the composed finish but also the gesture that followed. Number 22 for Birmingham City displayed remarkable poise as he halted in front of his ardent away fans and, with arms outstretched, initiated the genesis of an iconic celebration.
🏃♂️ The RUN
🅰️ The PASS
🎯 The FINISHWe were due to play Charlton today, so in its absence, we bring you @BellinghamJude‘s winning goal at the Valley in the reverse fixture. pic.twitter.com/P3FeNaH8ac
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) April 18, 2020
At its core, this celebration may appear relatively straightforward, as it’s a time-honored tradition in soccer for players to savor the euphoria of scoring a goal with such a gesture.
However, in modern soccer where celebration can add to the overall brand of the player, players have been more keen to adopt celebrations and add them to their name. The most successful example can be seen with Cristiano Ronaldo and his ‘SIUUUU’ celebration
Jude Bellingham, now the marquee signing of a club akin to the stature of Real Madrid, has remarkably elevated this celebration to a status of cultural significance in a remarkably short span of time. This transformation is a testament to his record-breaking start at the Madrid club, underscoring the profound impact a player can have on the sport’s culture.