Jude Bellingham: Captaining Borussia Dortmund a dream come true

Jude Bellingham has said that captaining Borussia Dortmund against FC Köln was a dream come true, adding that he is grateful to the club for the opportunity.

Saturday was another very special day in what has been an incredible start to Jude Bellingham’s playing career. With Mats Hummels and Marco Reus both sidelined, the 19 year old got the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband for Borussia Dortmund during their game against FC Köln.

Bellingham led the team from the front, showing great fight and hard work over the course of the 90 minutes. He won more duels than any other player on the pitch and also assisted Julian Brandt’s goal in the first half.

While Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to FC Köln soured the special occasion, Bellingham said after the game that the opportunity to lead his side is a dream come true.

"“It’s a dream come true really,” Bellingham said in an interview with the Bundesliga. “When I first signed for this club, it’s something that I never even thought was possible until I met the players and realised that they can give me the belief to one day be the captain. It’s something that other people always mentioned to me and I brushed off.”“I’m just really grateful to be given the chance, but ultimately a bit disappointed because we lost the game.”"

Saturday’s appearance was Bellingham’s 101st in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. He has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world since moving to Dortmund in 2020. And as a reward for his remarkable rise, he was given the added responsibility of being the club’s third captain before the start of the season.

Jude Bellingham has made 11 appearances for Borussia Dortmund so far this season, scoring three goals and assisting one. BVB have a number of big games coming up this month, and the midfielder will be key to their hopes of ending the calendar year on a high. He is also primed to play a crucial role for England at next month’s FIFA World Cup.