Jude Bellingham already captivates Real Madrid fans. The 22-year-old midfielder struggles to start the season after injury.
He faces growing questions about his place in England’s World Cup squad. Yet, as Sunday’s El Clasico approaches, Bellingham aims to prove he remains England’s top performer in La Liga.
This match will mark the first El Clasico featuring two English stars on opposing sides. Barcelona’s in-form forward Marcus Rashford will challenge Bellingham. Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to play due to injury, as Madrid seeks to extend their two-point lead over Barcelona.
For Bellingham, El Clasico provides the perfect stage to make a statement. The Bernabeu will host more than 80,000 fans, mostly passionate Madridistas. He knows the eyes of Thomas Tuchel and over 650 million viewers will also watch him.
Perfect occasion to earn England recall
Since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Bellingham has claimed nearly every major club trophy, including La Liga and the Champions League. His standout moments extend to international football, such as his stoppage-time overhead kick against Slovakia at last year’s Euros.
Bellingham holds 44 international caps, has participated in three major tournaments, and earned England men’s player of the year for 2024-25 from fans. Despite this, Tuchel left him out of England’s squad for victories over Wales and Latvia in October.
Tuchel clarified there was no personal issue, emphasizing the decision maintained the squad’s core from September’s fixtures. He promised to speak with Bellingham before the November camp. The key question remains whether England will recall him.
Bellingham faces a golden opportunity to prove his worth as defending champions Barcelona visit the Bernabeu.
Nothing to prove but himself
Bellingham’s season began with challenges. Shoulder surgery in July sidelined him for 63 days, causing him to miss five matches.
His return in late September drew a roaring welcome from Madrid fans. “He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone but himself,” said supporter Carlos Campillo. Juan Antonio Lillo added that Bellingham needed to regain match rhythm and pace gradually.
Since returning, he appeared in six fixtures, slowly rebuilding form. His influence remained limited until this week, when a Champions League match-winning goal against Juventus reignited Bernabeu belief—and perhaps his own.
“To score a winner here at home feels unbelievable,” Bellingham told US broadcaster CBS. “Playing well was crucial, and scoring helps the team enormously.”
Bellingham scored 19 La Liga goals in his debut season but struggled slightly in 2024–25 as Madrid ended the campaign trophyless. He reflected: “Last year wasn’t a disaster. I scored 15 goals, provided 14 assists, but the general feeling saw it as worse. I want to reach higher levels now with a new manager and team shape.”
Time for more heroics against Barcelona?
Rashford experiences his first El Clasico while on loan from Manchester United, fighting for a World Cup spot. Bellingham, however, thrives in the historic fixture.
“It feels like a final—winning El Clasico feels just like that,” said Campillo. Bellingham scored three times across his first four El Clasicos. He became the first Real player to score in his first two La Liga Clasicos since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2007, cementing his place in club history.
He has played every minute of every El Clasico so far. Sunday offers another chance to perform at the highest level against Barcelona.
Recovery key to a better Real Madrid
Bellingham’s shoulder surgery, return to form, and adaptation to a new manager set the stage for Madrid to reclaim dominance. If he shines against Barcelona, he can silence critics, impress Tuchel, and remind the world why he leads England in La Liga.
