The England midfielder puts his money where his heart is, purchasing stake in his hometown Hundred franchise.
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has made a power move off the football pitch, acquiring a 1% ownership stake in The Hundred cricket franchise Birmingham Phoenix. The 21-year-old midfielder is putting his La Liga earnings to work by investing in his hometown team, showing the kind of business savvy that matches his footballing brilliance.
The investment represents more than just financial backing – it's a statement of loyalty from one of England's brightest talents. Despite conquering Europe with Real Madrid and establishing himself as a Galáctico, Bellingham hasn't forgotten his Birmingham roots. The move signals growing crossover between football stars and cricket investment, following similar ventures by other Premier League personalities.
Bellingham's business acumen mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit we're seeing across global football, particularly among players of African descent who are increasingly diversifying their portfolios beyond the beautiful game. From Sadio Mané's infrastructure investments in Senegal to various Premier League stars backing cricket franchises, modern footballers are thinking like CEOs.
The Phoenix will benefit enormously from Bellingham's star power and marketing pull as The Hundred continues expanding its reach. With the tournament's explosive format and growing international appeal, the young midfielder has positioned himself perfectly in cricket's commercial revolution while staying connected to his Birmingham heritage.