Bellingham’s Evolution at Real Madrid: Embracing a New Role

It seems like a distant memory since Jude Bellingham first stepped onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu, quickly establishing himself as one of the most prolific finishers in world football. His debut season in the Spanish capital unfolded like a fairytale. Positioned at the apex of a midfield diamond, in the absence of a designated striker, the young Englishman took on the goal-scoring mantle left by Karim Benzema with remarkable confidence.

During that remarkable campaign, Bellingham scored an impressive 23 goals across all competitions, delivering crucial performances in both El Clásico and the Champions League. His ability to captivate the crowd became evident as he celebrated late winners, embodying the spirit of Carlo Ancelotti’s double-winning side.

However, the dynamics of Real Madrid’s attack underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé in the summer of 2024. The acquisition of the French superstar ensured a prolific goal-scorer for the team but also required a fundamental restructuring of their tactical framework.

While Mbappé has thrived as the focal point of the attack, consistently producing the extraordinary numbers anticipated from a Galáctico, Bellingham’s statistical output has understandably diminished. No longer the main target for crosses or the primary player breaking defensive lines, the 22-year-old has transitioned into a more central role. His goal tally from the previous season dropped to 15, and he has netted five goals so far this term, leading to scrutiny from the Spanish media regarding his influence in the shadow of Mbappé.

Bellingham, however, firmly dismisses this narrative. In a recent media engagement, he remarked that the adjustment to his role was a sensible and necessary step to fully leverage Mbappé’s abilities.

“It has been an easy change,” Bellingham remarked. “In my first season here, I was positioned close to the opponent’s box and scored many goals, but with Mbappé joining us, we now have a natural striker who nets 40 goals per season, making it less essential for me to play so far forward.”

The midfielder also emphasized that, despite not pursuing the Pichichi trophy this season, he remains an active contributor in the final third. He pointed to his performance during the 2024/25 campaign—his first alongside Mbappé—as evidence of his continued threat even when initiating plays from deeper positions.

“Every season, I aim to contribute my goals; that’s part of my game,” he stated. “I scored 15 goals while playing deeper, which isn’t bad. This year, I am focusing more on influencing the game, and while it’s a different role, scoring isn’t my sole priority.”

Bellingham has also embraced a leadership role to support his teammates, particularly during the tumultuous 2025-26 season for Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian winger has faced challenges both on and off the pitch, grappling with a dip in form and a strained relationship with manager Xabi Alonso, which has led to his being benched at times.

Despite the struggles, Bellingham defended Vinicius, urging observers to look beyond mere goal statistics and recognize his contributions.

“From my perspective, there’s a lot of pressure on Vini,” Bellingham noted. “He does a lot of good on the pitch. There may be a block in front of goal, but I still see him as an electrifying and creative player.”

For Bellingham, the true value of Vinicius transcends statistics. The chaos he creates on the left flank often serves as a catalyst for Mbappé’s goals, destabilizing defenses and creating opportunities in the center.

“Goals don’t tell the whole story,” Bellingham asserted. “There are assists and key plays to consider. We must view him as an invaluable teammate. I am confident that he will reclaim his former brilliance.”

With major silverware eluding them last season, the pressure is mounting on Madrid under new coach Alonso. Currently, they find themselves trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga.