In an interesting crossover between two major sports, football superstar Jude Bellingham has stepped into the world of cricket by investing in Birmingham Phoenix, a franchise in England’s innovative cricket league, The Hundred. Known for his brilliance on the football field, Bellingham is now expanding his footprint into sports business as well.

According to reports, Bellingham has acquired a 1.2 percent stake in Birmingham Phoenix for around £1 million (approximately ₹12 crore). The team already has strong financial backing, with Knighthead Capital holding a 49 percent share, while Warwickshire retains a majority stake of just over 50 percent.

This move isn’t entirely surprising, given Bellingham’s long-standing connection with cricket. In interviews, he has openly expressed his admiration for the sport and even said he would choose to swap roles with England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes if given a chance. During his younger years, Bellingham also played cricket at the junior level for a Birmingham-based club, highlighting his genuine interest beyond just investment.

Bellingham’s journey itself is remarkable. The son of a police sergeant, he rose through the ranks of Birmingham City’s academy before making his professional debut at a very young age. His talent soon took him to Borussia Dortmund, and later to Real Madrid in 2023, where he has become one of the biggest names in global football.

With a reported net worth of hundreds of crores, largely earned through football, Bellingham’s investment in cricket reflects a growing trend of athletes diversifying into other sports. His involvement could also bring fresh attention and global appeal to The Hundred, especially among younger fans who follow football as passionately as cricket.