Jude Bellingham’s summer with England has brought another individual honour, with the Real Madrid midfielder voted England Men’s Player of the Year for a second successive season after a record-breaking World Cup campaign.
A fan-voted award after England’s historic summer
The 23-year-old collected the 2026 award following England’s run to third place at the World Cup, their strongest finish at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.
- Bellingham scored seven goals during the 2026 World Cup.
- His total set a new England scoring record for a player at a major international tournament.
- England finished third, marking their best World Cup result in 60 years.
- The prize was decided by supporters voting through England’s official app.
It is the second consecutive year that Bellingham has been chosen by England fans as the national team’s outstanding player.
Bellingham reflects on recognition
The midfielder said the award was an added reward after an exceptional international summer, while stressing that representing England remains the central privilege.
“It is brilliant,” Bellingham said. “To be recognised again by the fans is a huge honour. It is not something you think about while you are playing for your country, but it is a lovely addition to the great summer we had and to the honour of representing my country.”
Tuchel praises a player made for pressure
England manager Thomas Tuchel placed Bellingham among the standout performers of the entire World Cup, not merely within his own squad. The coach highlighted the midfielder’s competitiveness and capacity to produce on the biggest stage.
“He was among the players of the tournament, not only for us but across the whole competition,” Tuchel said. “He reached his full potential. You could see what a competitor he is, what a machine he is. He grows under pressure, loves those moments and those stages, and that brings out the best in him.”
Another milestone in an already unusual international career
The award also follows another landmark for Bellingham, who became the youngest European player to appear at four major international tournaments. His latest England recognition adds to a World Cup in which he carried a decisive attacking threat from midfield and helped deliver a national-team finish not seen since the country’s 1966 triumph.
