Jude Bellingham eclipses Cristiano Ronaldo with history-making feat at Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham has made history by becoming the youngest European player to play at three major tournaments.

The midfielder scored England’s opening goal in their first match of Euro 2024 to carry his club form onto the national stage having scored 23 goals for Real Madrid as he won the Spanish league and Champions League.

Against Serbia, the scored after 11 minutes as he powered the ball home with a header when he got on the end of Bukayo Saka’s teasing cross from the right, which proved to be the difference as England began their quest for glory with a win.

And at the age of 20 years and 353 days, Bellingham surpassed former England striker Michael Owen (22 years and 170 days old) to become the youngest player to play at three major international competitions.

Bellingham has even eclipsed Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed this at 23 years and 123 days old.

The Three Lions’ young star now has 30 caps to his name for the national side and could well push this north of 100 in his career.

England’s hopes of Euro 2024 success will be boosted by Bellingham’s talent, with his quality eyed as some of the world’s best despite his age.

He sits on four goals for his country, with half of those coming at a major tournament.

Bellingham also scored England’s first goal at the World Cup in 2022 in their 6-2 win over Iran, with his header against Serbia a similar scenario.

It sees him kickstart the Euros with a bang, with the former Birmingham City youngster continuing to rack up minutes on the big stage.

Throughout the first-half, he continued to showcase his quality on the pitch, including one audacious yet successful long-range pass.

And speaking on talkSPORT’s watch along during the game, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara made a glowing comparison when he said: “For me, he is England’s [Zinedine] Zidane.

“He’s going to be the closest thing that anyone has seen since Zidane. Just when I watch him, his physique, the way he stands and the way he gets on the ball, it’s so Zidane-esque.”

And supporters in Gelsenkirchen appeared to agree with that assessment as they gave him a standing ovation as he was substituted towards the end of the game.

Although he is one of the youngest members in the squad, Bellingham plays way beyond his age.

It’s no wonder that Gareth Southgate continues to instil his trust in him, as well as Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian saw the midfield star prove his worth for Madrid first-hand last season amid the extensive depth of talent they already have.

Bellingham’s efforts in the middle of the park were key to their LaLiga, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup success.

On an individual level he also won the Golden Boy award, an accolade given to the best young player in Europe under the age of 21 and playing in a nation’s top league.

In addition, Bellingham was named as the LaLiga Player of the Season and the Champions League’s Young Player of the Season.