Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has taken a minority stake in Birmingham Phoenix, saying the investment is a way to give back to the city where he began his career.
Jude Bellingham has entered the business side of sport by buying a 1.2 per cent stake in cricket’s Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix. The Real Madrid and England midfielder, who rose to prominence at Birmingham City, is joining the ownership group ahead of the 2026 season at Edgbaston.
Bellingham said the move was driven by his bond with the city. “I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way. When I got the opportunity to get involved, I didn’t really think twice about it and I’m so happy to be on board,” he said.
The investment places him alongside Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital Management, the owners of Birmingham City. Bellingham also said cricket has long been part of his life, adding: “Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football. My favourite sport to watch, for sure.”