Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane admitted to being initially surprised by Jude Bellingham’s choice of the No. 5 shirt, previously worn by Zidane himself for five years at the club.
The 21-year-old England midfielder, who signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos last summer, opted for the iconic jersey number.
However, Zidane quickly added a positive spin, according to The Madrid Zone, stating (as quoted by sportskeeda.com): “It was a good surprise. In the end, what he is doing, the player he is, I think also that the Madridistas [Real Madrid fans] didn’t think about a year like this for him.”
Zidane went on to praise Bellingham’s quick adaptation, highlighting his impressive first season with Real Madrid, where he scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions.