A year ago, Jude Bellingham was facing calls to be left out of England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. Today, the Real Madrid midfielder is again one of the central figures for both club and country, having rediscovered his goalscoring form and influence. Six goals and eight assists for Real Madrid and England underline the scale of his revival.
The concerns were particularly strong before an England match at Wembley. Questions were raised over whether Bellingham should start under Thomas Tuchel, with his reception featuring loud applause alongside scattered boos. His difficult season at Real Madrid, combined with England’s positive results during his absence, had weakened his position.
When Tuchel took charge, speculation about his relationship with Bellingham intensified. The debate moved beyond team selection to questions about the player’s influence within the squad. In November 2025, the Daily Mail even used the headline “Leave Jude at home”, arguing that he should not be included in England’s World Cup squad, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The report acknowledged Bellingham’s outstanding talent but suggested his behaviour and mood swings could damage England’s tournament ambitions, while Tuchel’s emphasis on team harmony made his inclusion a subject of public debate.
Bellingham answered on the pitch rather than through public exchanges. After rebuilding his confidence and influence at Real Madrid, he carried that form into the England set-up. Analysts including Ian Wright defended him, arguing that some critics were attempting to question his character after failing to affect his career in the way they had with other players.
After a five-month absence from England duty between June and November 2025 because of injuries and technical considerations, Bellingham returned as one of the team’s most important players. England’s attacking hopes were no longer centred solely on Harry Kane; Bellingham had become a key partner in leading them.
He arrived at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in strong physical and technical condition, producing performances that made him one of the tournament’s leading players and bringing England close to glory despite doubts over his selection only months earlier.
Recognition at club and international level
Before England’s meeting with Spain at Wembley last September, the Football Association announced Bellingham as England’s Player of the Year for 2025-26, his second consecutive win. During the most recent international break, he strengthened his claim with an impressive display and a historic goal.
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane told ITV: “He can become one of the greatest players of all time.”
His resurgence has also been evident at Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho has restored him to a role closer to goal after a season in which frequent changes to his position and responsibilities reduced his consistency. Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa had previously highlighted his versatility, including his ability to operate on the left, but Mourinho wanted to revive the attacking impact of Bellingham’s first season.
“A player of this quality has to be close to the goal. For me, that is obvious,” Mourinho said at the start of the season.
Bellingham finished 2025-26 with eight goals and six assists and has five goals and four assists this season, according to the report. His goalscoring contribution has improved from one every 209 minutes to one every 145, moving towards his first Real Madrid campaign, when he scored 23 goals and supplied 13 assists at a rate of one contribution every 101 minutes.
His all-round statistics underline the change. He has 11 goal contributions, third among Real Madrid players, and leads successful duels with 120, ahead of Diomande’s 96. He is second for chances created with 27, behind Arda Guler’s 47, and leads the side for headed shots on target with five.
Bellingham also has 10 ball recoveries in the final attacking third, second only to Vinicius Junior’s 11, while his 69 recoveries overall trail only Thibaut Courtois’ 100. From goals and chances to pressing, duels and winning possession, he has become an increasingly difficult player for Real Madrid and England to do without.
