Jude Bellingham’s Journey and the Road Ahead
Jude Bellingham, the talented Real Madrid midfielder, has faced a challenging period recently. Despite his recent return from shoulder surgery, he was not included in the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel, which came as a disappointment for the 22-year-old. However, instead of dwelling on the setback, Bellingham chose to use his free time in a positive way.
Bellingham took a break from the pressures of professional football by visiting Madrid Safari. The trip allowed him to relax and enjoy some downtime. He shared a photo of himself feeding giraffes, showcasing a more laid-back side of his personality. This moment of respite comes at a time when the England star has been dealing with several challenges.
In addition to missing out on the England call-up, Bellingham was also excluded from Real Madrid’s 2026 calendar, despite being one of the cover stars in the 2025 edition. This exclusion has raised questions about his current status within the club. Furthermore, the Spanish press has criticized Bellingham for his fitness levels, especially after Real Madrid suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid—their worst derby loss in 75 years.
Despite these challenges, Bellingham remains focused on his goals. The upcoming fixtures for Real Madrid are crucial, with key matches against Juventus and Barcelona at the Bernabeu before the end of October. These games will be an opportunity for Bellingham to prove his worth and remind Tuchel of his abilities.
Tuchel has explained his decision to exclude Bellingham from the latest England camp. He emphasized that the team’s teamwork and spirit were at their peak during the previous camp, which took place just three and a half weeks ago. Tuchel stated that the same group of players would be invited to maintain consistency and stability in the team’s development.
‘Are there players out there who deserve to be with us? Yes, for sure. Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent,’ Tuchel said. ‘We think this is the best and most straightforward position. The competition is on to be in the squad and to make it onto the pitch.’
Tuchel also acknowledged Bellingham’s potential but highlighted that he hasn’t yet regained full rhythm with Real Madrid. ‘He hasn’t finished one full match until now; he has only started one now. He is getting back to full strength. We had a phone call. There is no issue from that side, he just lacks rhythm.’
As the international break approaches in November, Bellingham will be eager to showcase his skills and prove that he deserves a spot in the England squad. His journey so far has been marked by resilience and determination, and fans are hopeful that he will bounce back stronger.
Key Challenges and Future Prospects
- Injury Recovery: Bellingham is still working his way back to full fitness after shoulder surgery. This has impacted his performance and availability.
- Team Dynamics: Tuchel has emphasized the importance of maintaining strong team spirit and cohesion, which has influenced his selection decisions.
- Media Scrutiny: The Spanish press has been critical of Bellingham, questioning his fitness and performance levels.
- Upcoming Fixtures: Real Madrid faces important matches against Juventus and Barcelona, which will be crucial for Bellingham’s return to form.
With the right mindset and continued effort, Bellingham has the potential to overcome these challenges and regain his place in both the Real Madrid and England squads. The coming months will be pivotal in determining his future in the sport.