Real Madrid star midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to miss the start of the upcoming season due to imminent surgery. According to well-placed sources at the club, the Bernabeu management are fully aware that the young England international will require the medical intervention, which he had delayed throughout the previous campaign in order to avoid missing crucial matches for Real Madrid and the England national team as they prepared for the European Championships. Bellingham, 20, who joined Real Madrid in a high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund last summer, has quickly established himself as a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti's side, with his dynamic performances in the middle of the park a major factor in Real winning yet another Champions League title. However, the consequences of a relentless schedule began to take their physical toll on the youngster, leading him and the club's medical staff to conclude that the persistent injury problem he had been managing could no longer be postponed.
“Jude has been incredibly brave and determined to continue to push himself for the team, but we all know there comes a time when the body simply needs proper treatment and rehabilitation,” a source close to the situation said. “The club are monitoring his condition very closely and we all agree that undergoing this procedure now is the best course of action, even if it means he will miss the start of the new season.” The recovery and rehabilitation process is expected to last between two and three months, barring complications. That timetable would almost certainly rule Bellingham out of Real’s opening La Liga fixtures, as well as the early rounds of the Champions League group stage. It is a blow to both the player and the club, who were hoping to build on his impressive debut season in the Spanish capital.
“Losing a player of Jude’s quality, even for a short period, is never easy, but we have to take a long-term view,” the source continued. “We need him to be fit and firing on all cylinders for the end of the campaign when the trophies are decided. The medical team will be working around the clock to ensure his recovery is as smooth and efficient as possible.” The news will also come as a disappointment to England manager Gareth Southgate, who was counting on Bellingham to play a key role in his plans for the European Championship in Germany next summer. However, the national team manager has been kept fully informed of the situation and appears to understand the need for the procedure.
“Jude is an incredibly important player for both club and country, so we are all committed to ensuring he gets the treatment he needs to get back to peak fitness,” the source added. “While it is frustrating to lose him for a while, we know he will come back stronger and hungrier than ever. That’s the kind of mentality that makes him such a special talent.”
Jude Bellingham has been plying his trade at Real Madrid since the summer of 2023 after completing a high-profile switch from Borussia Dortmund. In his first season with the Spanish giants, the young English midfielder has well and truly announced himself on the biggest stage. Across 42 appearances, Bellingham has bagged an impressive 23 goals and 13 assists, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic and productive midfielders in Europe. His action-packed performances were a key factor as Real Madrid won another Champions League title, further cementing his growing reputation.
Bellingham’s success at club level has also translated seamlessly onto the international stage. The 20-year-old has been a standout performer for England at Euro 2024, starting all seven of their matches and contributing two goals and an assist as the Three Lions cruised to the final. His tireless running, astute positioning and ability to dictate the tempo of games have made him an indispensable cog in Gareth Southgate’s well-oiled machine. Such sparkling form has inevitably led to Bellingham’s stock price soaring. According to respected website Transfermarkt, the young midfielder is now valued at €180 million, underlining his immense talent and potential. It’s a figure that firmly cements his status as one of the most valuable young players in world football today.
The transition from the Bundesliga to the rigours of La Liga could have been a daunting prospect for many, but Bellingham took it all in stride. His boundless energy, technical mastery and innate understanding of the game allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the demands of the Spanish top flight. Whether dictating play from deep or making dynamic runs into the final third, the England international brought a unique blend of qualities that made him a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti’s championship-winning side. Bellingham’s remarkable rise has not gone unnoticed, with many of Europe’s elite clubs keeping a close eye on his progress. However, Real Madrid have made it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with their prized asset anytime soon.
The Spanish champions see the 20-year-old as the cornerstone of their midfield for years to come and are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep him at the Bernabeu. It has been an incredible journey for Bellingham, who just a few years ago was still plying his trade in the Bundesliga. His meteoric rise has undoubtedly been one of the feel-good stories in European football in recent times, and at just 20 years of age, the best is surely yet to come from this young midfield dynamo.
