Jude Bellingham’s rise from England outcast to Madrid’s influential force

Jude Bellingham has gone from facing calls to be left out of England’s 2026 World Cup plans to becoming a key figure for both Real Madrid and his country.

A year ago, the midfielder was at the centre of intense criticism in England. Doubts over his place in the national team grew after a difficult season at Real Madrid, while England’s positive results during his absence added to the debate.

That uncertainty intensified after Thomas Tuchel took charge. Before one England match at Wembley, questions were raised over whether Bellingham deserved to start. His reception included loud applause alongside scattered boos, reflecting the division surrounding him.

In November 2025, the Daily Mail ran the headline “Leave Jude at home”, arguing that Bellingham should not be included in England’s World Cup squad. The newspaper acknowledged his ability but claimed his behaviour and changes in mood could damage England’s ambitions, while Tuchel’s emphasis on team unity was seen as another reason for concern, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Bellingham chose to answer those doubts on the pitch. He gradually restored his influence at Real Madrid before carrying that form into international football. After a five-month absence from the England squad between June and November 2025, caused by injuries and sporting considerations, he returned as one of the side’s leading players.

His resurgence has been reflected by six goals and eight assists for club and country. He is now viewed not only as a supporting figure for Harry Kane but as a central part of England’s attacking ambitions.

Bellingham arrived at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in strong physical and technical condition. His performances made him one of the tournament’s most important players and saw him come close to guiding England to glory, despite his participation having been questioned only months earlier.

Recognition from England and Real Madrid

Before England’s meeting with Spain at Wembley in September, the Football Association announced Bellingham as England’s Player of the Year for 2025-2026, his second consecutive win of the award.

He later strengthened his claim during the latest international break with an impressive display and a historic goal. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told ITV: “He can become one of the greatest players of all time.”

His club form has improved under Jose Mourinho, who has pushed him into a role closer to the opposition goal. “A player of this quality must be close to the goal. For me, that is obvious,” Mourinho said at the start of the season.

That positioning has allowed Bellingham to combine his physical strength, tactical intelligence and late runs into the penalty area with his defensive work. He has five goals and four assists this season, compared with eight goals and six assists in 2025-2026. His scoring contribution has improved from one every 209 minutes to one every 145, approaching his first-season Real Madrid figure of one every 101 minutes, when he scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists.

Bellingham has 11 total goal contributions, third among Real Madrid players. He leads the team for successful duels with 120, ahead of Diomande’s 96, and is second for chances created with 27, behind Arda Guler’s 47. He also leads for headed shots on target with five.

Defensively, he has made 10 recoveries in the final attacking third, second only to Vinicius Junior’s 11. His 69 total recoveries place him second at the club behind Thibaut Courtois, who has 100.

From a player whose place in England’s plans was questioned, Bellingham has become an increasingly difficult presence for both Real Madrid and England to do without.