England’s Jude Bellingham turned down the Player of the Match award following his team’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on June 23 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder said the recognition, decided by an online fan vote, should have gone to one of the Ghanaian players who stifled England’s attack throughout the group-stage contest.
“Yeah, I didn’t deserve it, to be honest. It probably should have gone to one of their lads that defended so well.”
Bellingham was substituted in the 73rd minute, having struggled to impose himself on a match that Ghana’s disciplined backline controlled for long stretches.
Ghana’s defensive masterclass
Bellingham acknowledged that Ghana “played for the draw” and that it was the smart move given their tournament position. The Ghanaian defense limited England to minimal clear-cut chances across 90 minutes.
