So many superstars have shown up big at the 2026 World Cup, including stars of teams that have been eliminated like Vinicius Junior for Brazil, but in terms of the clutch factor and his all around impact on games on both sides of the ball, it is hard to argue against Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham being the player of the tournament thus far for England.
Bellingham saved England's bacon in a tough night at the Azteca against hosts Mexico, scoring a rapid fire brace in less than 100 seconds in the late 30s, showing the positional skills and clinical efficiency of a world class striker. And then minutes later, he saved England at the goal line with a ridiculous clearance in the six yard box. How many players on this planet could have made those plays, especially in such quick succession?
The former Borussia Dortmund star had already bailed England out against Croatia and Panama in the group stages, but he really outdid himself against an inspired Mexico. England would have lost without his leadership and quality, as Bellingham finished with six combined dribbles completed and fouls drawn, three tackles, and four clearances in a midfield monster class.
Jude Bellingham is the center of any project
New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had already made his feelings on Jude Bellingham clear as an analyst, waxing poetic about both Jude as a person and how special of a player he is. And with rumors in the Spanish media that Mou will consider building the team around Jude over even the superstar forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, watching at home what he did on this insane night in Mexico will have likely sealed that decision.
Real Madrid are a better team when they focus on Jude. He was the star of the team throughout their 2023/24 season when they last won La Liga and the Champions League, and Real Madrid have been 10 times worse since divesting from him, with the inept Xabi Alonso performing particular managerial malpractice on this world class gem of a midfielder.
Bellingham is out to be the next Zinedine Zidane with that iconic Royal White No. 5 jersey on his back, and the task for Jose Mourinho will be to center a sporting project around a guy who is literally winning games offensively, defensively, and on the ball for England on the grandest stage at the World Cup. The message sent by Jude was clear vs. Mexico: Real Madrid need to make this his team. Because he is inevitable.
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