A year ago, Jude Bellingham’s place in England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup was being questioned. Some supporters and commentators wanted him left out of the squad, but the Real Madrid midfielder has since rebuilt his reputation and become a central figure for both club and country.
Bellingham has returned to the level that made him one of football’s leading young players, contributing six goals and eight assists for Real Madrid and England. His influence now extends beyond his statistics, with a more prominent role in both teams’ attacking play.
The contrast with the previous season is stark. Before one England match at Wembley, there was debate over whether Bellingham should start under Thomas Tuchel. His introduction to the stadium was met with loud applause, but also scattered boos. The reaction reflected the doubts surrounding him after a difficult campaign at Real Madrid, while England had produced positive results during his absence in World Cup qualifying.
Those doubts intensified in November 2025, when the Daily Mail published the headline “Leave Jude at home”, calling for him to be omitted from England’s World Cup squad, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The report acknowledged his talent but argued that his behaviour and mood swings could damage England’s prospects, while suggesting Tuchel prioritised team harmony.
Bellingham responded on the pitch rather than through public arguments. After a five-month absence from England duty between June and November 2025, caused by injury and footballing considerations, he returned as one of the manager’s most important players. Discussion of England’s attack is no longer focused solely on Harry Kane; Bellingham is now viewed as a key partner in leading the team’s ambitions.
He travelled to the United States, Mexico and Canada for the 2026 World Cup in excellent physical and technical condition and produced performances that made him one of the tournament’s standout players, despite his participation having appeared uncertain only months earlier.
Recognition followed. Before England’s meeting with Spain at Wembley last September, the Football Association named Bellingham England’s Player of the Year for 2025-26, his second successive award. During the most recent international break, he strengthened his claim with an impressive display and a historic goal, prompting praise from Roy Keane.
“He can become one of the greatest players ever,” the former Manchester United midfielder said on ITV.
His revival has also been evident at Real Madrid. After being moved between positions and responsibilities last season, Bellingham is now operating more often in the final third while continuing to contribute to build-up play, pressing and ball recovery. His strength, tactical intelligence and late runs into the penalty area have restored his threat in front of goal, while his dribbling and chance creation have also improved.
He scored eight goals and supplied six assists in 2025-26, and has five goals and four assists this season. His goal contribution rate has improved from one every 209 minutes to one every 145, moving closer to his first Real Madrid campaign, when he scored 23 goals and made 13 assists at a rate of one contribution every 101 minutes.
Jose Mourinho has helped restore a more advanced role. “A player of this quality has to be close to the goal. For me, that is obvious,” he said at the start of the season. Mourinho described Bellingham as a unique and hugely important player with exceptional physical, mental and tactical qualities.
The numbers underline his all-round influence. Bellingham has 11 total goal contributions, 120 successful duels, 27 chances created and five headed shots on target. He has also made 10 ball recoveries in the final third and 69 recoveries overall, ranking behind only Vinicius Junior and Thibaut Courtois respectively in those categories. From a player once considered a risk for England, he has become difficult for both England and Real Madrid to do without.
