Jude Bellingham has taken Zinedine Zidane's iconic old Real Madrid shirt number upon being unveiled as the Spanish giants' latest superstar.
England international Bellingham, who is still just 19, has signed a six-year deal in the Spanish capital and joins after three seasons in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.
The teenager had been chased by several Premier League clubs, but chose to move to Spain after finishing second in the Bundesliga during what proved to be his final season in Germany.
Ahead of his unveiling on Thursday, Bellingham chose the No.5 shirt previously worn by French legend Zidane, who memorably scored wearing the shirt when Real won the Champions League in 2002, and then managed the club to three successive European crowns between 2016 and 2018.
The No.22 Bellingham sported for Dortmund and at first club Birmingham City is currently occupied by Antonio Rudiger, while Real's No.5 last season was defender Jesus Vallejo. Birmingham retired the No.22 when Bellingham left in 2020.
Bellingham, who has 24 caps for England, said he asked Vallejo if he could take the shirt.
"I wanted to thank Vallejo for giving me number 5," he said.
"I asked him if he cared and he's a great guy. I admire Zidane a lot and it's a number that inspires me. I don't want to be like him, because I'm different , I'm delighted to wear this number. It's an honour.
"The shirt itself is a great responsibility. He (Zidane) is a player I have always valued, for me he has been the best. I want to expand the legacy of the number."
President Florentino Perez had previously welcomed the Englishman to the club at the unveiling.
"Today is once again a day of hope," he said.
"The greatness of our 121 years has been built with figures and players of a different talent. We always say that the successes we achieve together are due to the fact that the players feel like Real Madrid fans. And today one of the best players in the world arrives in Madrid.
"And he is here because he wanted to, because he decided that his history had to be linked to this club, the best in the world.
"I want to convey my gratitude for having chosen us. You are at the most demanding club in the world and the values of this club will accompany you forever.
"I am sure that you have fallen in love with Madrid by watching our last five Champions Leagues, where our values are: Solidarity, effort, camaraderie...
"You will learn that at Madrid we never give up. And in the hearts of millions of Real Madrid fans you will have the strength to withstand the pressure and difficulties that appear.
"You come to Madrid from one of the great European clubs, a friendly club like Borussia.
"You've been decisive there, with unforgettable moments. You've been the best in the Bundesliga, you were Dortmund's youngest goalscorer, also the youngest in score with Birmingham, where they withdrew your shirt.
"With England you are one of the greats and in 2021 you were the youngest player to play in a Euro Cup."
