Jude Bellingham has been touted as a future captain of Real Madrid by the Spanish press, following his impressive performances since joining the club for £113 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. In his debut season, Bellingham played a pivotal role in leading Los Blancos to both La Liga and Champions League titles, scoring 23 goals along the way.
Although he started the current season slowly, Bellingham has found his form again, netting six goals in his last six appearances across all competitions. Spanish outlet AS has praised him as the “new boss of Madrid,” highlighting his work rate and leadership qualities, particularly in recent matches.
One notable moment was Bellingham’s decision to take the first penalty in a 2-0 victory over Getafe, easing the pressure on teammate Kylian Mbappe, who scored the second penalty. His all-action style is underscored by his impressive defensive contributions, having covered 59 kilometers in the Champions League this season, more than any of his teammates.
Bellingham’s leadership extends beyond the pitch; during a recent match against Girona, he addressed teammate Arda Guler about a poor decision but later assisted him for a goal, showcasing his supportive nature.
Real Madrid views Bellingham as a “strategic signing,” a label given to players seen as integral to the team’s success both on and off the field. His latest goal came in a crucial 3-2 win against Atalanta in the Champions League, where he skillfully maneuvered past a defender before scoring.
In a post-match interview with CBS Sports, Bellingham reflected on the challenging game, saying, “They played really well… but it’s important that we got the job done.” He humorously described his goal, admitting he wasn’t sure where the ball was going but was relieved it found the net.
Bellingham emphasized his desire to influence games through goals and assists, stating, “If I can score goals and directly influence the game, then it makes me a lot more valuable to the team.” With his current form and leadership potential, many believe he is on a path to becoming a key figure at Real Madrid for years to come.