Birmingham Pret-A-Manger unveil Jude Bellingham sculpture

The installation depicts the Stourbridge-born England player’s bicycle kick “wondergoal” from the 2024 European Championship which saved England from elimination against Slovakia.

It can be found in the window of the Pret-A-Manger on New Street and has been crafted by prop maker Andy Billett using food from Pre-A-Manger’s Christmas menu, including mince pies and gingerbread.

It is part of the food and coffee chain’s “share the joy” campaign which aims to celebrate the UK’s most joyous moments on the past year.

Through a survey conducted by OnePoll, the UK public was asked to vote for their fondest memory of 2024, with a quarter saying that they associate feelings of joy with food.

It is made entirely of festive foods (Image: Emma Trimble/PinPep) Bellingham’s goal was voted as the third most joyous moment by the public, topped only by the England men’s football team going on to reach the final of the Euros and Sir David Attenborough celebrating 70 years as a broadcaster and conservationist.

Katherine Bagshawe, Pret’s UK food & coffee director, said: "We’re thrilled to be able to depict some of the most joyous moments that helped define 2024, as chosen by the nation. 

“With 25 per cent of respondents saying they associated joy with their favourite foods, we felt paying tribute through food was a fitting way to celebrate joyous moments.

"We’re delighted to share stories of remarkable individuals who make a real difference in both their communities and the nation."

Elsewhere, a food sculpture of Sir David Attenborough can be seen in Pret-A-Manger’s Carnaby Street branch in London, as well as an installation of Olympic gold medallist Keeley Hodgkinson winning the 800 metres in their store on Manchester’s Oxford Street.

As well as celebrities, the Pret-A-Manger locations in Liverpool and Edinburgh will see local unsung heroes who bring joy to their local communities celebrated.