Birmingham City fans have become accustomed to constant disappointment in recent years. Their club, which until recently had regularly played in the Premier League, has returned to the Championship, where it remained for a long time without much prospect. However, this season has become a real breath of fresh air for City fans: their team has thrown itself into the fight for promotion and is even aiming for the championship.
The main architect of this phenomenal, no exaggeration, transformation of Birmingham was 20-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham. A young but already incredibly talented footballer, he literally took control of his club's game and became a true guiding star for the entire team. It is no coincidence that Bellingham is nicknamed the "heart and soul" of today's Birmingham City.
Jude Bellingham joined Birmingham in 2019, progressing from Birmingham City’s youth academy to the senior team. At the time, he was just 16 years old, but Jude already stood out from his older teammates with his technique, pitch vision and incredible maturity for his age. Bellingham’s senior debut came in August 2019 in a match against Wigan – the 16-year-old midfielder stepped onto the pitch and immediately caught the eye.
From the very first matches, it became clear that Jude Bellingham was not just a talented young man, but a player capable of single-handedly getting the team out of any situation. His confident play, focus on the opponent's goal and ability to make precise passes allowed Birmingham to stabilise their game in the middle of the 2019/20 season. Bellingham quickly became a regular and one of the team's key players.
Jude played the following season 2020/21 in an even more convincing manner. His contribution to Birmingham's game was truly invaluable: the young midfielder demonstrated incredible performances, excellent fitness and incredible composure in the most important moments of matches. Bellingham regularly scored goals and provided assists, and his unselfish play in midfield was a key factor in City's consistency.
By the end of the 2020/21 season, Jude Bellingham had become perhaps the Championship’s biggest star. His impressive performance for Birmingham did not go unnoticed – in the summer of 2021, Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund, becoming the most expensive 17-year-old footballer in history. It seemed that Birmingham had lost their leader and their hopes of returning to the Premier League, but…
Jude Bellingham's departure to the German club was seen by many as the beginning of a new series of failures for Birmingham City. But unexpectedly for everyone, City not only did not slip into the abyss of the tournament, but also continued to progress, becoming one of the main contenders for entry into the Premier League.
It turned out that Birmingham was not dependent on Bellingham alone: the team as a whole improved the quality of its play and cohesion. However, Jude still played a decisive role in City's success. The young midfielder, after spending a season and a half in the Bundesliga, returned to his original club in January 2023 on loan and proved from the first minutes on the pitch that he was still a key player for Birmingham.
Since Bellingham's return, Birmingham City have transformed. The team have played brighter, started to control the ball better and create scoring chances. Jude has taken over the team's play, becoming a true leader and organiser of attacks. His vision of the pitch, his meticulous technique, his dedication and his incredible work ethic have had an immediate impact on City's results.
Bellingham became the team's main creator, not to mention the defensive duties. The young midfielder put pressure on his opponents, intercepting balls and organising quick counter-attacks. His goals and assists were the basis of Birmingham's victories in key matches.
Since Bellingham's return, Birmingham City have rocketed up the Championship table. John Eastwood's side have become one of the main contenders for promotion, and Jude himself has emerged as the main hero of this campaign.
Bellingham literally dragged his club to victories in the most important matches. His decisive goals and assists helped City beat their direct rivals for promotion to the Premier League – West Brom, Sheffield United and Sunderland. Jude became the best player in the matches in which his club secured key victories.
Bellingham's talent was particularly evident in the decisive end of the season. When Birmingham's rivals began to stumble, Jude managed to lead his team forward. Incredible dedication, a goalscoring instinct and the ability to judiciously assess the situation on the pitch allowed the 20-year-old midfielder to take the team's game to a new level.
Thanks in large part to Bellingham, Birmingham City not only confidently took second place in the Championship and secured their return to the Premier League, but also fought for the league title until the end. Jude became a key player in the team, showing incredible will to win and character in the decisive matches.
This season has become a new milestone in Jude Bellingham's career. The 20-year-old midfielder has not only helped Birmingham return to the top flight of English football, but has also become a true superstar himself. His performances, leadership and dedication are admired not only by City fans, but by all football fans.
It is no surprise that Bellingham's transfer fee is skyrocketing. There are rumours that in the summer of 2023, Borussia Dortmund, where Jude spent a season and a half, will try to buy him from Birmingham for a record fee. However, City fans will hope that their favourite will still remain at his hometown club for at least next season.
There is certainly a bright future ahead of Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old midfielder is already demonstrating a level of play worthy of the best clubs in the world. And there is no doubt that in the years to come we will see Bellingham progress and reach his potential at the highest level.
Perhaps in the near future, Jude Bellingham will become a footballer for a major English Premier League club or even for the England national team. But whatever his future holds, Bellingham's invaluable contribution to Birmingham City's return to the top flight will always hold a special place in the hearts of City fans. This talented and selfless young footballer has forever etched his name into the history of his hometown club.
