Jude Bellingham Shines Again at Real Madrid After World Cup Breakthrough

After a challenging 2025-26 season, Jude Bellingham is showing signs of resurgence with Real Madrid, picking up the momentum he displayed during the World Cup. The England midfielder, once a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or in 2024, is back in impressive shape under Jose Mourinho's management.

Last Season’s Struggles

The previous campaign was tough for Bellingham. An injury requiring shoulder surgery kept him out of preseason, and when he returned, Xabi Alonso deployed him in a defensive midfield role that limited his influence. Despite playing 40 matches, Bellingham managed only eight goals and five assists—his lowest output since joining Madrid. Alonso was dismissed mid-season, and his successor Alvaro Arbeloa couldn't halt the team's decline, ending the year without any trophies. Critics even questioned Bellingham's place in England’s starting XI for the World Cup.

World Cup Redemption

Rather than faltering, Bellingham used the criticism to fuel his determination. The Birmingham City academy graduate led England to the World Cup semi-finals, ranking among the tournament’s best players behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Golden Ball winner Rodri.

A Strong Start with Mourinho

Back at Madrid, Bellingham had just a week of training with Mourinho before the new season began, yet he quickly made an impact. In the opening match against Espanyol, he scored with a header within nine minutes and was the standout player despite the team’s struggle to find rhythm. He won several duels and maintained an impressive 95% pass accuracy, nearly scoring a second goal when his header hit the crossbar.

Dominant Midfield Performance Against Sociedad

Four days later, Madrid hosted Real Sociedad, where Mbappe stole the spotlight with a hat-trick. Still, Bellingham was vital too, assisting twice and displaying relentless energy by winning most of his duels and covering nearly nine kilometers. His aggressive pressing helped stifle Sociedad’s transitions and earned him a standing ovation upon substitution.

Leading the Charge Versus Malaga

In the next La Liga fixture against Malaga, Mourinho praised Bellingham as essential to the team. Bellingham scored a composed goal by dribbling past defenders before slotting the ball through the goalkeeper's legs. Later, he forced an own goal with a powerful header. Although Mbappe and Arda Guler also scored, Bellingham’s overall performance inspired chants of "Hey Jude" from the fans. He described feeling more freedom to roam on the pitch, contributing both offensively and defensively while enjoying the game.

Mourinho’s Tactical Shift to Maximize Bellingham

Mourinho has adjusted the team's approach to suit Bellingham’s strengths, inspired by his World Cup form as an attacking midfielder. He told Bellingham not to defend like a second left-back anymore, giving him license to stay closer to goal in a 4-2-3-1 system similar to that used by Thomas Tuchel. This allows Bellingham to break up play but also join attacks aggressively. Mourinho emphasizes that great players want to play alongside others of similar quality and speed, highlighting the chemistry between Bellingham, Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior.

Ballon d'Or Prospects

Mourinho regards Bellingham as a leader and places him in the Ballon d’Or conversation, though realistically, his chances this year are slim due to Madrid’s trophyless season. Other frontrunners include Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, and Rodri. Mbappe remains a stronger contender, having netted 42 goals last season.

Still, if Bellingham maintains his current form, 2027 could be different. He’s already involved in four goals this season and aims to surpass his debut year at Madrid, when he scored 23 times and assisted 13 as they won La Liga and the Champions League. That season earned him third place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.

Bellingham has overcome setbacks to become an even better player, thriving in a stronger Madrid squad. Outshining his talented teammates over the coming months will be tough, but he seems limitless. Winning the Ballon d’Or might just be the natural next milestone for this exceptional talent.