Jude Bellingham signs for Real Madrid – Every English players to play for Real Madrid and how they fared

The 19-year-old left his hometown team Birmingham City in 2020 to sign for Dortmund and became one of the best young players in the meantime. Madrid who are looking to rebuild the midfield now has signed the English youngster with an initial €103m (£88.5m) fee.

There have been only five English players who have featured for Real Madrid before. Should Bellingham see out his initial six years deal, he could outlast all of his compatriots in the Spanish capital.

Here we have taken a look at the five former English players and how they fared with Los Blanco’s shirts:

1. Laurie Cunningham (1979-1983)

The first Englishman to play for Real Madrid was winger Cunningham, who was signed from West Bromwich Albion in 1979. The English international, known as the “Black Pearl” in Madrid, won over the crowds with his flamboyance, but his impact was often offset by injuries and consistency. He helped the club win one league title and two Copa Del Rays scoring 20 goals in all competitions.

2. Steve McManaman (1999-2003)

After performing well for Liverpool and England, the English winger came to Spain on a free transfer in 1999. He helped the side win the Champions League in his first season, earning a Man of the Match medal during the 3-0 victory over Valencia in the final.

However, his playing time got limited following the arrival of Figo. He was a useful member for four seasons before leaving the club for Manchester City.

3. David Beckham

Probably the most impactful and renowned English player to ever play for the Los Blancos. The England winger left Manchester United as a Galactico signing for the Bernabeu side. However, he failed to register the same impact for them. He was a regular in the side that failed to win any silverware for the first three seasons.

He later fell out with manager Fabio Capello in the 2006-07 season however forced his way back into the side and helped the club win La Liga. He however left the side the next season for La Galaxy.

4. Michael Owen (2004-05)

A gifted teenager who made a name for himself in the late 1990s, Owne has had almost all personal accolades in the early stage of his career at Liverpool. A two-time Golden Boot winner before his 20th birthday and Ballon d’Or winner at the age of 21 the English striker was a goalscoring machine for Liverpool.

He signed for Real Madrid in 2004. But never really got a chance to break into the side. He left the club the very next season for Newcastle United playing 36 games, mostly as a substitute.

5. Jonathan Woodgate (2004-06)

The English defender was signed from Newcastle United in 2004 and it is fair to say his spell at Madrid was anything but good. He mostly spent his time at the Spanish capital on the sideline and never managed to break into the first-team squad properly. He played just 14 times for them in two seasons before leaving the side.