Jude Bellingham has 46 caps for England. England midfielder Jude Bellingham has bought a 1.2% stake in cricket team Birmingham Phoenix, saying "I feel like I owe the city something". Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge just outside of Birmingham, has bought a minority stake in the city's Hundred franchise worth close to £1m.

Bellingham, the 22-year-old, came through the ranks at Birmingham City before joining Borussia Dortmund, with the Blues later retiring his number 22 shirt. He now plays for Real Madrid - winning the Champions League in 2024 - and has become a key player for England with 46 caps.

"I love Birmingham," said Bellingham, who is a cricket fan and played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire. "I'm very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me. I love cricket as well so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn't really think twice about it, so I'm so happy to be on board.

"I feel like I owe the city something. Right now it's difficult with how busy I am with football, but if there's a way in which I can help then I want to and this feels like a good way."

The Edgbaston-based side were one of the eight Hundred franchises put up for sale last year and American investment group Knighthead Capital Management, who own Bellingham's former club Birmingham City, bought a 49% stake for £40m. Warwickshire retained their 51% stake. Bellingham has taken on 0.6% from each party, meaning Warwickshire still have control with 50.4%.

He added: "I want to let kids know [and] let adults know that there's opportunities to go and enjoy sports. I was fortunate growing up I had the option of playing cricket and playing football, but some kids don't have that opportunity.

"It's important that if I can get involved in something like this to shine a light on an opportunity for kids, then even better."

Asked in an interview last year which sportsperson he would swap places with, Bellingham said England Test captain Ben Stokes. Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady is also part of the Knighthead group.

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