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According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has set a new Champions League record after becoming the youngest player to make 60 appearances in the competition, surpassing the previous mark held by club legend Iker Casillas.
The England international reached the historic milestone at the age of 23 years and 128 days, overtaking Casillas, who had recorded his 60th Champions League appearance at 23 years and 167 days.
The achievement marks another major landmark in Bellingham's rapidly progressing career and further highlights his growing influence in European football despite his young age.
The midfielder reached the record after being included in Real Madrid's starting lineup for their Champions League meeting with AEK Athens on Wednesday.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Bellingham has broken an appearance record in the competition. He previously became the youngest player to reach 50 Champions League appearances, achieving the feat on November 4, 2025, exactly a year before recording his 60th appearance.
Bellingham began his Champions League career at Borussia Dortmund after moving to the German side from Birmingham City. His impressive performances in Germany quickly established him as one of Europe's most promising young midfielders before he secured a transfer to Real Madrid.
Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Englishman has continued to cement his position as one of the club's key players, regularly featuring in important domestic and European matches.
Overtaking a record previously held by Casillas is particularly remarkable considering the legendary goalkeeper's achievements and standing at Real Madrid. Casillas enjoyed an illustrious spell with Los Blancos, winning several major trophies and earning recognition as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club's history.
Bellingham's latest achievement reflects the consistency he has shown in Europe's biggest club competition, having already accumulated 60 appearances before his 24th birthday.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is also reportedly looking to maximise the midfielder's attacking qualities by deploying him in a more advanced position, allowing him to operate closer to the opposition's goal.
Mourinho's decision to include Bellingham in the starting lineup against AEK Athens further underlined the importance he places on the midfielder's contribution to the team.
The 23-year-old will now be hoping to build on his impressive Champions League record as Real Madrid continue their pursuit of further success in the competition.
Having already surpassed a milestone once held by one of the club's greatest legends, Bellingham has added another outstanding achievement to his growing list of career accomplishments.