Bellingham Breaks Casillas' Champions League Record and Marks the Occasion With a Stunning Backheel
Jude Bellingham made history in Athens before adding a moment of brilliance. The Real Madrid midfielder became the youngest player ever to reach 60 Champions League appearances, then scored a spectacular backheel equalizer against AEK.
Jude Bellingham had more than one reason to remember his visit to Athens.
In the 32nd minute of Real Madrid's Champions League meeting with AEK, the England international turned a pass from Marc Cucurella into a remarkable backheel finish, bringing the score level at 1-1.
It was a fitting moment in a match that had already secured his place in the competition's record books.
By starting the game, Bellingham reached 60 Champions League appearances at just 23 years and 128 days old, becoming the youngest player ever to hit that milestone.
Bellingham Takes a Record Away From Iker Casillas
The previous record belonged to another Real Madrid player.
Iker Casillas made his 60th Champions League appearance at 23 years and 167 days old, meaning Bellingham reached the milestone 39 days earlier.
The midfielder's European journey began with Borussia Dortmund during the 2020-21 season, when he was only 17.
He soon made history by becoming the youngest English player to score in the Champions League, finding the net against Manchester City at 17 years and 289 days old.
From Borussia Dortmund Prospect to Real Madrid Star
Bellingham continued setting records during the following campaign.
In 2021-22, he became the youngest player to start ten Champions League matches, reaching that mark at 18 years and 91 days old.
Since his debut, he has featured in every edition of the competition, first with Dortmund and later with Real Madrid, scoring at least once in each campaign.
His backheel against AEK takes his overall Champions League record to 15 goals and 13 assists in 60 appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Casillas Still Set the Standard for Appearances
Bellingham may have broken the age record, but the competition's all-time appearance leaders remain some distance away.
Casillas played 177 Champions League matches, including 150 for Real Madrid and 27 for Porto.
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the overall record with 183 appearances, spread across Manchester United (59), Real Madrid (101) and Juventus (23).
The threshold for entering the competition's top 100 appearance-makers currently stands at 87 matches.
Three Numbers Behind Bellingham's Historic Night
- 23 years and 128 days: Bellingham's age when he became the youngest player to reach 60 Champions League appearances.
- 32nd minute: His stunning backheel from a Cucurella pass brought Real Madrid level against AEK.
- 15 goals and 13 assists: His Champions League numbers after 60 appearances.
