Jude Bellingham’s second season at Real Madrid is off to a challenging start as he prepares to face his former club, Borussia Dortmund, at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. The match, a rematch of last season’s Champions League final where Bellingham and Real Madrid triumphed to claim their record 15th title, comes at a crucial time for the England international.
After a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, where Bellingham scored 10 goals in his first 10 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, his second campaign has yet to hit similar heights. The 21-year-old has faced increased defensive responsibilities following the summer arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe. This shift has led to fewer goal-scoring opportunities for Bellingham, who remains goalless after nine matches in all competitions this season.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti deployed Bellingham on the right of midfield during their recent 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, marking yet another new role for the €103 million (£88 million) signing. Bellingham showed signs of frustration during the match, particularly when Brazilian teammate Vinicius Junior failed to pass him the ball while he was in a good position to score.
Last season, Ancelotti utilised Bellingham in a hybrid midfield role to bolster Madrid’s defence, especially in the latter half of the campaign. The midfielder struggled with shoulder and ankle issues, looking fatigued towards the end of the season. Bellingham’s frustration may be linked to the shift from his attacking duties last season to a more defensive role.
Despite his recent struggles, Bellingham’s rise to prominence has been rapid. After breaking into Birmingham City’s first team as a teenager, the club retired his number 22 shirt when he left for Dortmund at just 17. He became Dortmund’s youngest captain at 19, leading the team to the brink of the Bundesliga title before they were narrowly overtaken by Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season. His impressive performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, and he also shone for England in the 2022 World Cup.
Although Bellingham was below his best at Euro 2024, apart from his spectacular bicycle kick goal against Slovakia, his talent remains undeniable. Real Madrid fans quickly embraced him as a hero, particularly after his brace in his first Clasico against Barcelona.
However, replicating that early form has proven difficult. Ancelotti has stressed that while Bellingham’s role has evolved, his contributions should still be valued, even if they don’t always involve goals. With a front line including Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, Real Madrid have faced challenges in finding the right balance.
The upcoming Champions League clash against Dortmund, followed by a key La Liga showdown with Barcelona, will be key tests for both Bellingham and Real Madrid. With new England manager Thomas Tuchel also facing decisions on how to best utilise Bellingham alongside talents like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer, the midfielder will be eager to prove his worth, whether or not it means finding the back of the net.