BELL OF THE BALL
How humble Jude Bellingham celebrated Euro 2024 heroics against Serbia with his tight-knit family
Bellingham paid tribute to his nearest and dearest after his match-winning display
JUDE BELLINGHAM celebrated with his family after playing the hero as England edged past Serbia 1-0 in their Euro 2024 opener last night.
The Real Madrid superstar, 20, crashed into the box to thunder home a 13th minute header from Bukayo Saka's deflected cross.
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Bellingham put himself about during the contest, and looked every inch the superstar as he became the youngest player to ever feature at three major international tournaments - eclipsing even Cristiano Ronaldo as he beat Michael Owen's previous record.
As was the case at the Champions League final earlier this month, Bellingham was roared on from the stands by dad Mark, mum Denise and younger brother and Sunderland star Jobe.
A man in demand, the midfielder underwent plenty of media duties after the final whistle sounded in Gelsenkirchen.
After completing them, with typical good grace, and taking a quick shower, Bellingham headed back out to celebrate with his thrilled family in the stands.
READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM
England's superstar beamed with his retired policeman father Mark, while ex-HR professional and financial expert mum Denise also grinned.
Little brother Jobe, 18, who has attracted interest from Prem duo Crystal Palace and Brentford, glanced down at his phone during the happy exchange.
Jude moved to Real Madrid last summer in a blockbuster £115million transfer.
The fit was instant, with the Madrid faithful immediately taking Bellingham to their hearts.
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The humble star has credited his mum Denise with helping him take everything so gracefully in his stride.
With his mum having moved with him to Madrid, where he has since begun dating Dutch model Laura Celia, he told the last December: "My mum is there to just keep everything neutral really.
Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against Serbia
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"Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs and I stay pretty humble because I’ve got her around.
"It’s also great to have her there because she’s a great laugh as well. We get on so well and we’re always doing stuff together."
Dad Mark, meanwhile, has also been a driving positive force in his sons' careers - dating back to both of them starting at boyhood club Birmingham as kids.
While Denise headed to Madrid's stunning La Finca neighbourhood to look out for Jude, Mark headed to Wearside with Jobe.
Given Bellingham's level of superstardom, his family were recognised in the stands at Arena AufSchalke last night.
They could be seen posing for selfies with delighted England supporters while in attendance at the match.
'Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people'
After the game, Bellingham paid tribute to his supportive family and friends.
He said: "Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people. It's not just me.
"It's because I have such a great support network - my family, my friends, my team-mates. Playing football is the easiest part."
On the game itself, he added: "I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros.
"It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up, and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing."
Having received the adulation of the travelling England faithful, who serenaded him with The Beatles' classic "Hey Jude", Bellingham vowed: "I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament."
He and his Three Lions team-mates are next set to be in action on Thursday, when they take on Denmark in Frankfurt.
Meet Jude Bellingham's stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia Valk
By Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham's heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she's been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing's latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel - her favourite designer.
She's also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
It won't be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
Find out more about Laura.
Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.
Other stars including skipper Harry Kane also entered the stands after the match to see their loved ones.
Kane, 30, shared a kiss with wife Kate, before the pair also posed for a selfie.
Conor Gallagher caught up with partner Aine May Kennedy.
While Kyle Walker went to see wife Annie Kilner and the kids.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Ollie Watkins hugged girlfriend Ellie Alderson.
And Jarrod Bowen shared an embrace with Dani Dyer.
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