Jude Bellingham has explained the origins of his iconic 'arms aloft' celebration

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed the origins of his iconic, arms aloft celebration that he has performed throughout his career.

The 20-year-old midfielder has had a stunning start to life at the Bernabeu, netting eight La Liga goals in his first eight matches of the season.

The majority of his goals have been accompanied by his now infamous celebration - where the Real number five faces the crowd with his arms aloft.

The celebration has been copied by other players - and even in other sports. Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz performed the celebration after winning a match in the US Open last month.

Bellingham's influence, therefore, is being felt worldwide. But why does he perform the celebration, and where does it come from?

It actually dates back to his time at Birmingham, the club in which Bellingham made his senior debut back in 2019.

Then just 16, the future England international would be deployed on the left of midfield by manager Pep Clotet in order for him to ease his way into competitive men's football.

By the end of the season, Bellingham had developed to such an extent that not only was he a key player in the side, but he had been moved into central midfield. An imminent big-money move was inevitable.

Where does Jude Bellingham's celebration come from?

The midfielder scored four times during the 2019/20 campaign, with his first competitive goal coming in a 2-1 win over Stoke in August.

And after scoring the winner against the Potters, Bellingham did so again in the following game, a 1-0 win at Charlton.

From 12 yards out, the youngster fired home Kerim Mrabti's cross to send the visiting Blues faithful into ecstacy.

Then came the now iconic celebration - Bellingham stood in front of the away end, arms aloft.

What has Jude Bellingham said about his celebration?

And the midfielder has now revealed that his current celebration was born on that day, and admits that, although he doesn't know exactly where the idea came from, he has used it ever since.

He told RMTV: "The truth is that I don't know exactly where it comes from. I started doing it in Birmingham, and from there I have continued it but there is no reason.

"It is a pride that children imitate me."