The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States, is meant to be another glittering chapter in Bellingham’s meteoric rise. Yet beneath the surface, the 21-year-old is bracing for a long-overdue resolution to an issue that has plagued him for more than a year.
Jude Bellingham has emerged as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s modern identity, a commanding presence in midfield with a knack for clutch goals and relentless work rate. But behind his on-field dominance, the England international has been quietly battling a persistent injury — one that has reached a critical turning point.
Bellingham first dislocated his shoulder in November 2023 during a La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. Though the joint was quickly popped back into place, Real Madrid’s medical staff opted for a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan. It allowed Bellingham to remain on the pitch — but not without sacrifice.
For the remainder of that season, and well into the current one, he played with heavy strapping and a restrictive shoulder brace, enduring discomfort through La Liga, Champions League, and even Euro 2024, where he helped lead England to the final.
After scoring in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Club World Cup win over Pachuca, Bellingham addressed the matter publicly. “I’m fed up with the brace,” he told Managing Madrid. “Hopefully we get to the final, and I’ve got surgery a few days after the tournament to get it fixed. I’m really happy about that. It’s been a long time coming.”
Surgery confirmed after the final
Bellingham has confirmed that he will undergo surgery immediately after the Club World Cup concludes, targeting July 13 as the likely date. While his pain levels have become more tolerable, the decision isn’t about pain anymore — it’s about quality of life and performance.
“I think I’ve come to the end of my patience with it,” Bellingham admitted. “I’m sick of playing in a brace, especially in this heat. It’ll be nice to have my old body back. I’m ready to have a free shoulder, and a free body really.”
Despite the limitations, Bellingham continues to play like a man possessed. His goal against Pachuca earned him Man of the Match honors, and he remains central to Real Madrid’s hopes of winning the Club World Cup title.
Behind the scenes, however, the toll is mounting. Constant tugs from defenders, the inconvenience of the brace, and the physical strain in warm climates have made every appearance a test of endurance.
“The physios here and the doctors have been unbelievable,” he added. “Getting me ready to play game in, game out.”
What it means for Real Madrid and England
Once the surgery is completed, Bellingham is expected to be sidelined for two to three months, meaning he will miss the start of the 2025-26 season under new manager Xabi Alonso. Reports from Cadena SER suggest a return around mid-October, ruling him out of the opening rounds of both La Liga and the Champions League.
The absence will also hit England, with Thomas Tuchel’s squad set to be without their midfield talisman for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
