Bellingham further endears himself to Madrid fans with kind gesture to ball boy

Jude Bellingham came to the rescue of a shivering ball boy during Real Madrid's victory over Spanish minnows Arandina.

Los Blancos were taking on the fourth-tier side in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey on Saturday. Bellingham was rested by boss Carlo Ancelotti, with ex-Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga handed a place in midfield instead. Bellingham did not come off the bench for Real but he still had an impact on the tie. The midfielder was seen wrapped in a club-themed blanket as he attempted to battle the cold. After spotting a ball boy also attempting to deal with the plunging temperature, the former Borussia Dortmund star offered the youngster the blanket. He then made sure his offer was taken up by wrapping the blanket around the ball boy as he walked away.

Interviewed by a Spanish reporter after the game, he claimed that it was his “happiest day”. It was not the first time that the Real Madrid superstar had interacted with the youngsters in attendance at the ground. He also made sure to take photos with an excited group of supporters before kick-off. Real Madrid eventually won the game 3-1 to progress to the next round. Former Stoke and Newcastle forward Joselu opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Brahim Diaz made it two a minute later with Rodrygo putting the result beyond doubt late in the day.

Nacho Fernandez scored a late own-goal to at least give Arandina something to celebrate. Real Madrid are back in cup action in a few days with a Spanish Supercup clash against cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid. Bellingham will be hoping to refind his goalscoring form in that clash. The 20-year-old is in the midst of a drought by his lofty standards.

He has not scored in each of his last two league