Typical example of good friends off the field: Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

At just 21 and 20 years old, Musiala and Bellingham exude confidence in their exceptional talent and remarkable maturity. Both young players have been hailed as representatives of the present and future of the football they play.

Bellingham, born in Birmingham, and Musiala, with roots in Stuttgart, forged a beautiful friendship while playing in England’s youth teams. Although they currently play for clubs in two different countries, this duo maintains a close bond.

Musiala left his homeland for England with his parents at the age of 7. During his time in Chelsea’s youth team, he met Bellingham, a new friend who was making a strong impression at Birmingham City’s youth academy.

This pair quickly found success in the England U15 team and played together at the U16 and U17 levels – both appearing in the same lineup a total of 13 times.

Bellingham and Musiala were in England’s youth team

Although he later moved to Germany and donned the Bayern Munich jersey, Musiala still keeps an eye on Bellingham. “I still have love for England, my boys are there, just like Jude,” Musiala shared with the BBC.

Bellingham made his Bundesliga debut before Musiala by 33 days and played for Dortmund. Afterwards, these two met six times in Der Klassiker, both in the Bundesliga and the Supercup.

More notably, Musiala made Bellingham’s last match at BVB even more heartbreaking when the German player scored the decisive goal that secured the FCB the championship title in the 2022/23 season, shattering Dortmund’s dream of the Meisterschale.

The two players often face each other on the field if Bayern meets BVB

Many things have changed since then, with Bellingham moving to Real Madrid shortly thereafter for a fee of 103 million euros. Bellingham finally surpassed his friend as the English young international won the 2023 Kopa Trophy as the best U21 footballer in the world.

But their respect for each other was evident as runner-up Musiala sent a touching message to his close friend, “I still want to congratulate you on your achievement. You deserve it,” said the player currently playing for the ‘Hùm xám’. “Not long ago we were roommates in England, and now you’re playing for Real Madrid, I’m playing for Bayern – it’s crazy to think about that. I hope to see you again soon. Have a great evening and greetings from Munich.”

The response from Bellingham also caused a stir: “Musiala is a great guy and it’s amazing that he sent that message and wished me all the best. He knows how much I value him and how much respect I have for him.”

Bellingham is now very close to winning La Liga, while Musiala is facing a season without a first title in his playing career. Bayern’s number 42 is still uncertain about returning to the field after an injury and may once again miss the chance to face his friend at Real Madrid in an important Champions League return leg.