For most of last season, the question around Jude Bellingham was when he would be fit. That question has been answered emphatically.
A Season Disrupted
Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury against Rayo Vallecano in early February, an injury to the semitendinosus muscle initially expected to keep him out for a month. Recovery proved slower than hoped, with his return pushed back repeatedly before he finally featured again in March. He finished 2025/26 with eight goals and five assists in 40 appearances, modest by his standards, in a Madrid side that won no major trophy.
The World Cup Transformation
- Scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup, a record for a midfielder at the tournament, surpassing James Rodriguez’s six from 2014
- Finished as England’s leading scorer, ahead of Harry Kane
- Named in the World Cup Best XI alongside Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe and Marc Cucurella
- Helped England to a third-place finish
Current Status
He is fit and was named in Tuchel’s England squad on September 18 for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Individual Recognition
Bellingham is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, to be awarded in London in October, alongside Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Why It Matters for Madrid
Madrid’s goalscoring was dangerously concentrated last season. A Bellingham operating at World Cup level changes that equation entirely.