Jude Bellingham has matched one of Lionel Messi’s iconic Champions League records after a stellar display in Real Madrid’s dominant 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg.
The England international has rebounded from early-season challenges, helping Madrid excel in LaLiga, where they currently lead the standings.
Despite their domestic success, the reigning champions have faced hurdles in the revamped Champions League format and needed a win against Salzburg to keep hopes alive of automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
Sitting 16th in the competition standings, Madrid may face a playoff if they fail to break into the top eight in their upcoming match against Brest.
Bellingham, key to Madrid’s resurgence, benefited from increased creative freedom in Carlo Ancelotti’s system. The midfielder provided two assists for Rodrygo’s first-half goals, unlocking Salzburg’s defense and cementing his influence on the game.
Jude Bellingham has equalled one of Lionel Messi ‘s legendary Champions League records
Messi previously recorded 24 goal contributions in the Champions League before the age of 22 at Barcelona
Bellingham starred on Wednesday evening as Madrid beat RB Salzburg 5-1 in the league phase of the competition
Those assists moved Bellingham level with Argentina and Barcelona legend Messi in Champions League goal contributions for players aged 21 and under.
The Madrid superstar now has 24 Champions League goal contributions aged 21 years, six months and 24 days.
Messi previously scored 17 goals and registered seven assists at the age of 21 or under during his breakthrough years at Barcelona.
However, two current blockbuster names have already smashed those records, with one of the duo playing alongside Bellingham at Madrid.
Bellingham provided two assists in the dominant win over Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabeu
Bellingham’s team-mate Kylian Mbappe (pictured) holds the record for the most goal contributions before the age of 21 in the competition at 37
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is second in the standings having recorded 26 goal contributions before reaching 22-years-old.
But, Kylian Mbappe – who scored once in Madrid’s win over Salzburg – previously managed 37 contributions at the same age and holds the record for the most under the age of 21.
Bellingham has now chipped in with 32 goals and 22 assists since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023.
His stunning efforts last season played a vital role in helping Madrid win both the Champions League and LaLiga titles during his debut year in Spain.