• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
The 'real' reason why Birmingham retired Jude Bellingham's shirt number

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 20:33 13 Sep 2023 GMT+1Published 18:23 13 Sep 2023 GMT+1

The 'real' reason why Birmingham retired Jude Bellingham's shirt number

Here's an explanation of why Bellingham's Birmingham number was retired.

Chris Byfield

Chris Byfield

Jude Bellingham's shirt number at Birmingham was not retired because of the player’s performances, according to one fan's theory.

The 20-year-old dazzled on Tuesday as England beat Scotland 3-1 in a friendly to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever international fixture, which was incidentally between the two sides.

Bellingham played a part in Phil Foden’s opener, before capitalising on an Andrew Robertson error to net England’s second.

Advert

Then, in the game’s crowning moment, Bellingham weaved through Scotland’s midfield and faked to shoot before feeding Harry Kane to score.

The friendly encounter was another reminder of Bellingham’s status in the game. The midfielder, who already has 26 caps and is currently Real Madrid’s top scorer, has cemented himself as one of the world’s best players in recent years.

Of course, Birmingham City have heralded the youngster’s talent ever since he made his debut for the club in August 2019 aged 16 years and 38 days.

Such was his status at the Blues, that the club retired his No.22 shirt in recognition of Bellingham’s qualities, in the hope the gesture can inspire the next generation of talent at St Andrew's.

Birmingham City said at the time: "In such a remarkably short space of time Jude has become an iconic figure at Blues, showing what can be achieved through talent, hard work and dedication.”

"His caring, humble and engaging off-the-field demeanour has also made him such an impressive role model. The 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities.

Advert

"And as such the club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others."

However, one fan has claimed that Birmingham retired Bellingham’s shirt for reasons beyond his ability on the pitch. Hubfootballuk alleged that the player’s sale saved Birmingham from potential administration.

Writing on X, formally known as Twitter, the account said: “Jude Bellingham could have left Birmingham City for pennies, as he had not signed a Pro Contract with the club.

“Birmingham, who were in serious financial troubles at the time, HAD to sell Bellingham for a substantial fee, to keep the club above water.

Advert

“In essence, Jude Bellingham and his family virtually saved Birmingham City Football Club from Financial Fair Play and potential administration.”

Meanwhile, other fans have suggested that Bellingham’s shirt number was never retired, but merely put on hold in case he were to ever return.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Fan Reactions, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Birmingham City, England, Scotland

Chris Byfield
Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • 2 hours ago

    Cristiano Ronaldo tells Al Nassr to scrap move for Arsenal star and sign Real Madrid man instead as £73 million bid submitted

    The former Real Madrid star wants Al Nassr to raid his old club.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Kylian Mbappe's reaction to Real Madrid star's crazy moment against Borussia Dortmund goes viral as fans say the same thing

    The star striker couldn't hide his feelings during the Club World Cup clash.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Former Premier League star claims club doctors urged him to dope and then threatened him to keep quiet

    The ex-Premier League player has spoken out against club doctors who asked him to dope this season.

    Football
  • 4 hours ago

    Marcelo snubs Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele as he names shock 80/1 outsider to win 2025 Ballon d'Or

    The Real Madrid legend has gone with an outside choice to claim the prize.

    Football
  • The reason why Jude Bellingham refused to sign for Man Utd despite 'convincing' Sir Alex Ferguson he'd join
  • Fans spot major error on Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid locker
  • Jude Bellingham scores 95th minute winner for Real Madrid, he's THAT guy
  • England fans are apologising to Birmingham for reaction to retiring Jude Bellingham's shirt number