Tanzania, April 22 -- England international Jude Bellingham has expanded his sporting footprint by acquiring a minority stake in Birmingham Phoenix, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid midfielder will take a 1.2 percent share in the franchise, which competes in The Hundred - a fast-paced 100-ball cricket tournament in England. Warwickshire County Cricket Club will remain the majority owner with 50.4 percent, while Knighthead Capital Management holds 48.4 percent.

Bellingham's role will go beyond investment, with a strong focus on community engagement and youth development initiatives in his hometown of Birmingham.

"I feel like I owe the city something," said the 22-year-old. "Growing up, I had the chance to play both crick...