Jude Bellingham Shines Again at Real Madrid After World Cup Breakthrough

Jude Bellingham Returns Strong with Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is picking up right where he left off after the World Cup, showing again why he was a Ballon d'Or contender in 2024. The midfielder is thriving under Jose Mourinho's leadership at Real Madrid.

A Challenging 2025-26 Season

Bellingham faced a tough 2025-26 season. A shoulder injury meant no pre-season with manager Xabi Alonso, and when he returned in late September, he was deployed in a defensive midfield role that limited his influence. Alonso was dismissed mid-season due to poor results, and Alvaro Arbeloa took over but couldn’t turn the team's fortunes around. Bellingham ended the year with eight goals and five assists from 40 matches, his lowest numbers since joining Spain. Critics questioned whether he deserved a starting spot for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

World Cup Resilience

Despite outside doubts, Bellingham stayed focused. The Birmingham City academy graduate led England to the semi-finals and was arguably the tournament's fourth-best player, trailing only Lionel Messi, teammate Kylian Mbappe, and Golden Ball winner Rodri.

Back in Form at Real Madrid

Now back with Real Madrid, under Mourinho’s second spell, Bellingham looks fitter and more effective than ever. Anyone who thought he had peaked must reconsider, as Madrid seem ready to challenge for top honours again.

Strong Season Start

With just a week of training under Mourinho after the World Cup, Bellingham was immediately placed in the starting eleven for Madrid’s opener against Espanyol. He made an instant impact, scoring a header within nine minutes from a free-kick delivered by Arda Guler. Despite Madrid’s overall struggles in that match, Bellingham stood out with a 95% pass completion and several ground duels won. He nearly scored a second goal, hitting the crossbar from a corner.

Dominant Against Real Sociedad

Four days later, Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1, with Mbappe scoring a hat-trick. Bellingham was nearly as impressive, earning a rating close to Mbappe’s perfect 10. He assisted two goals, including one for Vinicius Junior, and showcased relentless energy, winning many duels and covering nearly nine kilometers. His performance earned him a standing ovation when substituted in the 77th minute.

Key Player Against Malaga

Mourinho praised Bellingham as the team's vital link before their match against Malaga. In that game, Bellingham scored a composed goal by dribbling past defenders and finishing through the goalkeeper’s legs. He also forced an own goal after a powerful header challenged Malaga’s keeper. Madrid won 4-0, with Mbappe and Arda Guler adding goals. Bellingham was cheered by fans with chants of "Hey Jude" after being subbed late in the match.

"I feel more free right now. I have more freedom to move, to go up and down the pitch, depending on what we need. I'm having a lot of fun and that's why I'm performing well," Bellingham said after the win.

Mourinho's Tactical Approach

Mourinho has reshaped Bellingham’s role, inspired by Thomas Tuchel’s style, to maximize his attacking threat. Mourinho told Bellingham he no longer wants him to play defensively like a second left-back. Instead, Bellingham is encouraged to stay close to goal, making Madrid more dangerous as an attacking unit alongside Mbappe and Vinicius.

"To get the maximum out of Bellingham, he needs to be close to goal - it's not rocket science. I made a deal with him," Mourinho explained.

Now, Bellingham still recovers possession aggressively but has license to join attacks frequently. Mourinho believes the chemistry between Madrid’s stars is strong and dismisses claims they are incompatible.

"Very good players want to play together. They want to play with people who have the same quality, the same speed of thought," Mourinho said.

Ballon d'Or Prospects

Mourinho calls Bellingham a leader and insists he remains in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Yet, given Real Madrid’s trophyless 2025-26 and other players’ performances, Bellingham faces stiff competition this year from names like Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, and Rodri.

• Ballon d'Or 2026 contenders include:
• Harry Kane
• Lamine Yamal
• Rodri
• Michael Olise
• Lionel Messi
• Others

Mbappe, with 42 goals last season, might have a better chance despite being an outsider. Bellingham’s strong start to the new season—with four goal involvements already—suggests 2027 could be different. In his first year at Real Madrid, he scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists, helping secure a La Liga and Champions League double, which earned him third place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or behind Vinicius and Rodri.

Since then, bad luck slowed him, but he emerged stronger. This season’s Madrid team looks more potent, and if Bellingham continues outshining teammates Mbappe and Vinicius, he could reach new heights. Winning the Ballon d’Or would be a fitting next step for a player already seen as a generational talent.