Jose Mourinho hailed Jude Bellingham as “extraordinary” after the midfielder scored a superb backheel against AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday.
On a night when Bellingham became the youngest player to make 60 appearances in European football’s top competition, the England midfielder scored and was named man of the match as Madrid won 3-2.
“He is a unique player. Today, there is no midfielder in world football like Jude, who is complete at all levels,” Mourinho said through translation. “I don’t have many words because, for me, he is an absolutely outstanding player. Even on a day when he doesn’t have a big game, one of those amazing performances, he still brings work, leadership, ambition, quality and the ability to score. He is an outstanding player.”
Bellingham, who was also the youngest player to make 50 appearances, reached his latest mark at the age of 23 years, 128 days, passing iconic former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
He struck in the 32nd minute, connecting with Marc Cucurella’s cross and firing a first-time shot past goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
“It was just instinct really,” he said. “I found myself in a good position and I was able to do the only thing that came naturally to that position. It was a beautiful thing.”
Madrid twice hit back from a goal down before Federico Valverde hit a late winner.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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