Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham was presented the Player of the Match award by a lifelong football fan who lives in the same village where Bellingham owns a multi-million pound house. The moment followed England’s victory over Croatia, where Bellingham delivered a standout performance with a goal and three assists.
A Special Moment Shared by England
Steven Moore, from Barnt Green, is a devoted Birmingham City and England supporter who has not missed a Three Lions match in 25 years. He handed the award to the midfielder after the match, and the interaction was captured and shared by England’s official social media channels, which described it as a “special moment.”
Both men share deep ties to Birmingham City and Barnt Green. Bellingham and his mother bought a £825,000 Barnt Green plot of land in April 2023. A five-bedroom, four-level home now stands on that plot, in the same village where superfan Steven Moore resides.
Jokes and Shared Loyalty
As Mr Moore presented the award, he said: "As a Blues fan and resident of Barnt Green, I am delighted to give you this." Bellingham thanked him for his support of England over the years and joked that it was nice to receive the award from a fellow "Blue-nose."
The two discussed how England are getting very close to achieving that elusive major trophy for the first time since 1966. As they parted, they embraced with a hug, and Mr Moore said: "I will see you around BG (Barnt Green) sometime mate." Bellingham jokingly responded: "You owe me a coffee now."
Meaningful Night for a Lifelong Fan
It was a particularly meaningful night for Mr Moore, who combined his love for England with the chance to connect personally with a footballer who shares his club loyalties. The encounter highlighted the strong community links between the player and the village where he owns property.
