The Bernabeu has witnessed the best of Jude Bellingham once again.The English midfielder was Real Madrid’s standout performer in their 4-0 win against Malaga on Sunday, opening the scoring in the 19th minute with a stunning goal that was pure theatre from start to finish.First he picked up a loose ball in midfield, bursting forward to collect possession after a team-mate was tackled. He surged past one opponent, leaving him sprawled on the turf. Then, running diagonally across the box, he moved beyond two more hesitant defenders, who appeared afraid to attempt a challenge.Then came the finish, sliding the ball between goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero’s legs from a tight angle and into the far corner. He was unstoppable.“Hey Jude!” rang around the Bernabeu, a chant that had become a familiar soundtrack to his debut year at the club, 2023-24. It was heard far less last season, though, as a series of shoulder and thigh injuries kept him out for a combined 100 days.
Real Madrid is bringing back those 2023 vibes with “Hey Jude” @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/Tos9dk1F09
— Guillermo Rai (@GuillermoRai_) August 30, 2026“Bellingham is not only a top player, but also a leader,” Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said at his post-match press conference. “He’s very demanding of himself, and demanding of his team-mates. I really like that about him.“He is in the Ballon d’Or race. What he does as a midfielder is absolutely incredible.”Mourinho’s return to Madrid this summer for a second spell in charge has brought the Englishman back into the spotlight and, in the process, changed the face of the team. But how much has really changed? And what does it mean for Bellingham?Bellingham already feels key to Jose Mourinho’s Madrid team (Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images)Over the off-season, there was a clamour for Madrid to strengthen in midfield. They brought in Bernardo Silva as a free agent after his departure from Manchester City and also tried to sign his long-time team-mate Rodri, who ultimately joined Barcelona. But there were also voices inside the club arguing that Bellingham should remain the team’s leader in that area of the pitch.Thankfully, Mourinho agreed.
