Jude Bellingham caused a major commotion during his visit to Alton Towers theme park on Wednesday, with fans flocking around the England football star as he walked through the grounds.
The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, originally from Stourbridge, was filmed in videos shared on TikTok surrounded by admirers who chanted his name in appreciation of his performances at the World Cup, where he helped England reach the semi-finals.
Several individuals accompanied him, appearing to hold walking sticks to keep the excited crowds at a distance, according to footage circulating online.
Homecoming in the Midlands
Bellingham has been spending time in and around Birmingham during his break from the pitch, having returned from Spain. His visit to Alton Towers follows a series of public appearances in the region over the past week.
Last week, he was spotted at Edgbaston Cricket Club, where he watched Birmingham Phoenix secure their first win in The Hundred women's competition against Welsh Fire. This came after he purchased a 1.2 per cent stake in the club earlier this year.
The day before, he was among a packed crowd at St Andrew's as Birmingham City defeated Barcelona in a pre-season friendly.
Affection for Birmingham roots
Bellingham's connection to the West Midlands runs deep. His first team was Stourbridge Juniors, set up by his police officer father Mark. He joined Birmingham City's youth setup as an under-eight and became the club's youngest first-team player at just 16.
After one season with the Blues, he moved to German club Borussia Dortmund before being signed by Real Madrid in 2023 for a deal worth €103 million (£88.5 million).
Despite his global success, Bellingham has often spoken warmly about his upbringing. In a video posted by Birmingham Phoenix during his visit to Edgbaston, he said: "It's the values that you take from Birmingham for me. I always felt like Birmingham was a place where everyone wanted to see everyone do well."
He added: "It was a place where I was lucky enough to grow up and people would push you to want to be the best. It wasn't like other areas that I've been to where it's very cutthroat and a bit ruthless, and I just find that everyone cares for one another."
"So that's one of the main values that I try and take with me now I go to, when I've been to Germany, now in Spain, and all over the world to play. I want to show people, show the world where I come from, is an amazing place with amazing values. Sometimes I get it wrong and that's part of being a Brummie as well I suppose. And don't ever take things too seriously I think."
Fan reaction and security
The scenes at Alton Towers highlighted Bellingham's enduring popularity, with fans eager to get close to the star. Videos showed large crowds following him as he navigated the park, with security personnel working to manage the situation.
His recent appearances have drawn significant attention on social media, with fans expressing delight at seeing the footballer back in his home region.
Bellingham's performances for England, particularly his contributions in the World Cup campaign, have cemented his status as one of the country's most beloved sports figures. His ability to connect with supporters, combined with his on-pitch achievements, continues to make him a major draw wherever he goes.
Looking ahead
As Bellingham prepares to return to Real Madrid for the upcoming season, his time in the Midlands has been a reminder of his roots. His investment in Birmingham Phoenix and his attendance at Birmingham City matches signal a lasting commitment to the area that shaped him.
For now, fans in the region can relish the moments they've had with the star during his break, from cricket at Edgbaston to the unexpected thrill of spotting him at Alton Towers.
