Calls to give 'inspirational' Bellingham Freedom of Dudley Borough
Dudley's Labour Group has submitted a proposal to award the footballer the Freedom of the Borough.
Following his glistening display on the world football stage, there are calls to award Jude Bellingham the Freedom of the Borough of Dudley for his footballing heroics.
The Dudley Labour Group has this week submitted a proposal for Dudley Council to award Bellingham one of the highest civic honours for how he has represented the borough internationally.
Bellingham, from Stourbridge, has been a stand out star for the Three Lions throughout the 2026 World Cup, including becoming only the second player in history to score two goals at the historic Azteca Stadium in s World Cup - the other being Diego Maradona.
However, those calling for him to he honoured by his hometown say it's about more than just his sporting achievements.
"We want to make sure that the next generation see Jude as someone who's come from Dudley - well Stourbridge, but the Dudley Borough, and he's an example of you can achieve anything you want," said Cllr Qasim Mughal from the Dudley Labour Group.
"And, he just brings a lot of pride to the borough anyway."
The Labour Group highlighted how Dudley already has a proud footballing history, with a statue of Duncan Edwards standing tall in Dudley Town Centre, but Bellingham represents the future.
"Jude Bellingham has shown the whole world what someone from Dudley can achieve," said Cllr Mughal from the Dudley Labour Group.
"And hopefully, if this news gets to him, it might be a little bit of a boost in confidence -not that he needs any - but he can see that actually back home, people are all behind him and he can get us through and bring football home."
The Freedom of the Borough is one of the highest honours a council can bestow on a resident.
Other notable people who have been awarded Freedom of the Dudley Borough include comedian Sir Lenny Henry, wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley and D-Day veteran, Joe Bullock.
A mural of 23-year-old Bellingham can be found in Stourbridge on the side of the Ryemarket Shopping Centre.