Jude Bellingham, the 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, has been named England Men's Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. This is the second consecutive year he has received the award, which was voted on by England supporters through the official England app. Bellingham had a record-breaking campaign with the Three Lions, playing a significant role in England's third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
During the World Cup, Bellingham scored seven goals, setting a new record for the most goals scored by an England men's player at a major tournament. His goals came in victories over Croatia and Panama in the group stage, a brace against Mexico in the round of 16, two goals against Norway in the quarter-final, and a final goal in England's 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off. England Football confirmed that no other England men's player had previously scored as many goals at a single major tournament.
Bellingham started every match on England's route to the World Cup semi-finals and finished the tournament as the team's leading scorer. His performances also earned him a place in the FIFA World Cup Dream XI, selected by fans from around the world. Only eventual Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi scored more goals than Bellingham during the tournament. Bellingham's ability to operate between midfield and attack made him an important component of Thomas Tuchel's side throughout the tournament.
Bellingham finished the 2025-26 international season with 12 appearances, nine starts, seven goals, and one assist. These figures placed him among the leading performers in a competitive field of 18 nominees for England's Player of the Year award. To qualify, nominees had to feature in at least half of England's matches during the campaign. Other nominees included Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Jordan Pickford.
The award adds to Bellingham's remarkable collection of achievements at international level. During the World Cup, he became the youngest England player to reach 50 senior international appearances, surpassing Wayne Rooney's previous record. He also became the youngest European men's player to feature at four major international tournaments, having previously appeared at Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024.
The latest award was decided through a supporters' vote conducted via the official England app. Bellingham was among 18 players nominated after meeting the required appearance threshold. His victory means he has now won the men's Player of the Year award in successive seasons, further underlining his importance to the national team. Bellingham is also one of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, alongside captain Harry Kane and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Bellingham will now turn his attention to England's Nations League campaign, with the midfielder remaining part of Tuchel's plans as the Three Lions begin a new competitive cycle following their World Cup campaign. At just 23, Bellingham has already established himself as one of the central figures in England's current generation, with his latest Player of the Year award coming after a World Cup campaign in which he rewrote the national team's major-tournament scoring record.
Key points
- Jude Bellingham scored seven goals during England's World Cup campaign, a record for an England men's player at a major tournament.
- Bellingham has won the England Men's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season.
- He is one of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, alongside other England players.
