Jude Bellingham sent a message of appreciation to Real Madrid fans on Saturday after making his first appearance of the 2025/2026 season.
Bellingham finally stepped back onto the pitch for Real Madrid in Saturday’s 2–0 win over Espanyol, marking his return to action, having been sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery to fix a dislocation he had carried since his debut season with Madrid.
Introduced in the 89th minute to thunderous applause from the Bernabéu faithful, the England international made the most of his short cameo.
In just over a minute plus stoppage time, he managed 10 touches, strung together six accurate passes, and even carved out a near-chance with a precise through ball.
Although he’s still waiting for his first goal or assist of the campaign, Bellingham admitted he was thrilled simply to be wearing the famous white shirt again.
“Missed this and all of you so much,” Bellingham wrote on Instagram. “Truly humbled by the love you gave me in the stadium today and the support from everyone throughout my recovery, it means the world to me.
“Now for more. Hala Madrid!”
Initially, doctors projected his recovery to stretch into October, but Bellingham worked his way back weeks ahead of schedule.
His early availability allowed Xabi Alonso to name him in the Champions League squad, though the manager opted against risking him when Madrid went down to 10 men against Marseille. Both midfielders finally made their season debuts four days later against Espanyol.
With Bellingham back in the fold, Real Madrid receive a timely boost as they prepare for next weekend’s Madrid derby, a clash that could shape the early course of their season.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
