Quick Read
- Jude Bellingham underwent successful shoulder surgery on July 16, 2025.
- The Real Madrid midfielder will miss up to 12 weeks, sidelining him until mid-October.
- Bellingham has battled this shoulder injury since November 2023, playing through pain for nearly two years.
- He will miss key matches for Real Madrid and England, including the Madrid derby and World Cup qualifiers.
- The 22-year-old is expected to return in time for El Clásico against Barcelona in late October.
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has embarked on a challenging recovery journey following successful shoulder surgery. The operation, conducted on July 16, 2025, addressed a long-standing injury that has plagued the 22-year-old since November 2023. While the surgery marks a pivotal step towards his full recovery, it also sidelines him for up to 12 weeks, keeping him out of action until mid-October.
A Two-Year Struggle with Injury
Bellingham’s shoulder troubles began during a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on November 5, 2023. A seemingly routine fall led to a dislocation in his left shoulder, an injury that would come to define the next 20 months of his career. Despite the discomfort, Bellingham persisted, wearing a brace under his shirt and playing through pain. Over this period, he appeared in 100 matches—86 for Real Madrid and 14 for England—demonstrating exceptional resilience and dedication to his teams.
Speaking during the Club World Cup in June 2025, Bellingham expressed his frustrations: “I’ve got to the point where I’m fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having [other] players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time.” His decision to delay surgery until after Real Madrid’s participation in the tournament was a testament to his commitment to the club. According to Al Jazeera, Bellingham’s patience finally ran out after Madrid’s victory over Pachuca on June 22, 2025.
The Surgery and Recovery Timeline
The surgery was performed in London by Drs. Manuel Leyes and Andrew Wallace, under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical team. A statement from the club confirmed the procedure’s success and outlined the next steps in Bellingham’s recovery process, which includes rehabilitation followed by a gradual return to training. Spanish media have reported that his recovery is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks, as noted by AS.
During this period, Bellingham will miss several critical matches for both club and country. For Real Madrid, this includes at least eight La Liga games, two UEFA Champions League group stage matches, and the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid on September 28. Additionally, he will be unavailable for England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia in early September. However, fans can look forward to his potential return in time for El Clásico against Barcelona, scheduled for late October.
Impact on Real Madrid and England
Bellingham’s absence will be keenly felt by Real Madrid as they kick off the 2025-26 La Liga season on August 19 against Osasuna. Head coach Xabi Alonso has already expressed his unwavering belief in Bellingham’s importance to the squad, describing him as a “special player” with “tremendous ambition.” The midfielder’s ability to control the game and contribute to both offensive and defensive plays has made him a cornerstone of Madrid’s midfield.
For England, Bellingham’s injury comes at a crucial time as the national team prepares for World Cup qualifiers. His leadership and skill on the field have been instrumental in recent successes, including England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final. The team will need to adapt in his absence, relying on other midfield talents to fill the void.
A Legacy of Resilience
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Bellingham’s career continues to inspire. His decision to prioritize his teams over personal comfort speaks volumes about his character and dedication. Over the past two years, he has not only showcased his footballing prowess but also his mental toughness and determination.
As Real Madrid and England await his return, Bellingham’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices athletes make to excel at the highest level. His recovery will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, who eagerly anticipate his comeback on the world stage.
Jude Bellingham’s journey is a testament to resilience, and his return to full fitness will undoubtedly mark another significant chapter in his already illustrious career.