A recent revelation from former midfielder Paul Lambert showcases the humility and generosity of rising football star Jude Bellingham. While visiting Borussia Dortmund, Lambert shared that Bellingham, who has quickly become one of football’s most promising talents, once reached out to offer him a match-worn shirt after a game.
During Lambert’s trip to Germany, he met the young player who had already begun to carve out a significant career. Bellingham, who made his first-team debut at just 16 with Birmingham City, transferred to Dortmund for £25 million in 2020. His impact in the Bundesliga was immediate, where he joined forces with notable players like Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
“I just saw a really humble, really nice kid,” Lambert shared during the launch of Ladisfaction. Reflecting on the gesture, he recalled, “He actually wrote me a text one day, a few years back when I was at a Dortmund game. It just said, ‘Paul, I don’t know if you collect jerseys, but I’d like to give you mine after the game.’ And that’s what he did.” Lambert humorously noted that the shirt was “soaking wet” after the match, adding, “The secret of a good player is not to get that much sweat on your jersey!”
Bellingham’s generosity has not gone unnoticed, and Lambert emphasized the significance of the act. “Now he’s gone on to do what he’s done in the game; it’s probably worth a few quid, but I might just keep it! It was really kind of him to do that for me, though, and I think it says a lot about the type of person he is.”
The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed considerable success during his time at Dortmund, making 132 appearances and winning the 2021 DFB-Pokal. His younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, has recently followed in his footsteps, transferring to Dortmund from Sunderland this summer.
Bellingham’s career trajectory took another leap after his encounter with Lambert, as he earned his England debut shortly thereafter. To date, he has secured 46 caps with the national team and participated in three major tournaments, including reaching two Euro finals. With the FIFA World Cup approaching next summer, Bellingham is poised to play a key role in the Three Lions’ quest for glory.
Lambert recognized Bellingham’s potential early on, recalling their interactions in the dressing room. “He was calling me a legend and all of that kind of thing,” Lambert said. “I just said to him, ‘No, my time’s gone; it’s your time to go and do what you’ve got to do.’” At the time, Bellingham was not yet an England player, but Lambert had confidence in his abilities.
“I remember telling him he’d get in the England squad. I knew it because he was playing regularly for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, in front of huge crowds,” Lambert added. His foresight has proven accurate as Bellingham continues to develop into a leading player in international football.
As Bellingham prepares for the upcoming World Cup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. His journey from a teenager at Birmingham City to a star at Borussia Dortmund and an integral part of the England team illustrates not only his talent but also his character—something that Lambert’s anecdote highlights beautifully.
