Bellingham Returns to Action and Thanks Real Madrid Fans

Jude Bellingham made an emotional return for Real Madrid. He showed deep gratitude to the Santiago Bernabéu fans after recovering from shoulder surgery.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham returned to the team after missing several weeks due to a shoulder surgery in July. The English midfielder experienced pain since late 2023 and finally underwent surgery after Madrid’s Club World Cup run last summer. His recovery took around two months, so he was unable to train fully with his team. Recently, reports confirmed that Bellingham returned to training with Real Madrid after recovering from his shoulder surgery.

In his first appearance in front of fans, Bellingham said, “I missed this and all of you so much. I am truly humbled by the love you showed me in the stadium today and the support from everyone throughout my recovery. It means the world to me.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham’s absence was a big problem for Real Madrid. Last season, he was the club’s 2nd top scorer and notably was named La Liga Player of the Season after some disappointing results where they trailed Barcelona by 4 points in La Liga and lost in the Champions League quarter-finals. He also finished third in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best awards. This season, Madrid had to try new replacements, including giving more time to young talents like Franco Mastantuono. Currently, Madrid are first in La Liga, two points clear of Barcelona and five ahead of Villarreal and Espanyol, as they have secured a flawless start, winning all five matches this season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MADRID AND BELLINGHAM?

Real Madrid will face Levante for La Liga this weekend before visiting Atletico de Madrid next weekend ahead of their 2nd Champions League match where they host Kairat Almaty. Bellingham is back in the 23-man squad and hopes to contribute immediately, despite being not fully match fit.

With Bellingham back, Madrid wants to stay ahead of their rivals in both La Liga and Europe. Fans and club staff will carefully watch his fitness as he adjusts to play with the first team once again.