Real Madrid
Bellingham the boss: inside Jude’s early evolution at Real Madrid
The English midfielder’s leadership at Real Madrid has also included him getting back amongst the goals, but there’s so much more.
He isn’t Bruce Springsteen, he’s Jude Victor William Bellingham. The English star has become the guiding force for Real Madrid, culminating in his leadership role on the field over the past month and a half. Bellingham is the new boss of Madrid, with aspirations to reign supreme, hinted at by his recent nods to Elvis Presley—a subtle salute to greatness.
Bellingham’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. Scoring six goals in his last six matches with just six shots showcases his relentless appetite and precision on the field. He has been the savior for Madrid, opening the 2-0 lead against Getafe with a penalty that eased Mbappé’s burden and securing the 3-0 victory at Montilivi. The 3-0 win at Butarque wouldn’t make sense without his hunger-driven and intelligent ball steal that allowed Mbappé’s initial goal.
This intensity isn’t a one-off. Bellingham has won the most defensive duels on the team so far (70, two more than Rüdiger) and has the highest number of ball recoveries in the final third—the most dangerous area for opponents—with 14. Additionally, he has covered the most ground in this Champions League season, running 59 kilometers (just behind Rüdiger at 58.2). Goals, assists, key plays—Bellingham is everywhere and for everyone.
His teammates appreciate his contributions. Mbappé marveled, saying, “It’s incredible,” after witnessing his teammate’s display against Girona. Both Ancelotti and Bellingham show no signs of the frustration that plagued the start of the season. Bellingham’s rough beginning was due to two entirely different issues that, combined, disrupted the harmony of the number 5. The 2023-24 season ended with physical exhaustion, and reaching the European Championships final with England extended this strain, cutting short valuable rest days.
He burst onto the scene on August 14th as a missile in the Europa Super Cup in Warsaw, returning as the MVP. However, this peak wasn’t supported by an optimal summer training regimen for the long term. His defensive prowess was always intense but not sufficient to dominate the opposing area.
Tactical restrictions were the other challenge for the Brit. When Mbappé joined the team, Ancelotti assigned Bellingham roles that took him away from his previous hunting grounds. This all culminated in the Clasico, where he acted almost like a double right-back to assist Lucas against Raphinha. Once he was “liberated” against Osasuna, there was no holding him back.
Bellingham loved by the club
Internally, Madrid is more than thrilled with Jude. Almost every expectation surrounding his signing has been met and surpassed. He was considered a “strategic signing,” a label reserved for players deemed central both on the field and in the media.
This aspect is significant. When introduced as a Madrid player on June 15, 2023, Jude had 11.3 million Instagram followers. A year and a half later, he’s tripled that number to 37.7 million and counting—a potential that seems limitless. His celebration, reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, is one of the most iconic gestures in world football.
And he’s shaping up to be a future captain. In Montilivi, another example of Jude’s leadership emerged. During the match, he reprimanded Güler for a poor decision by the Turkish player but then provided a brilliant assist. When both were substituted and met on the bench, Bellingham embraced and celebrated with his teammate, leaving Güler visibly happy.
Beloved, respected, and lethal, Bellingham has activated his leadership mode.
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