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Jude Bellingham, the star midfielder, is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder once the 2025 Club World Cup concludes. The procedure, which had been expected within his inner circle, was confirmed by Bellingham himself following Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca. The English international acknowledged that he could no longer push through the discomfort and needed a permanent fix. "I've reached the point where the pain isn't as bad. I was tired of playing with a sling; it wears you down. Especially with this heat—I'm losing weight from sweating so much," Bellingham shared.
On providing his update on his injury after Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca in the on-going FIFA Club World Cup on June 22. Bellingham said "Thank you for checking in on it, it’s alright now, I think I’ve got to the point now where the pain isn’t so bad, it’s more that I’m fed up with the brace, tugging on it and other players tugging on it, and obviously in the heat with the sweat, but I’m losing so much weight in sweat, so I’ve got surgery scheduled for a few days after the final of the tournament. I’m really happy about that as I’ve come to the end of my patience with the brace, the physios have been unbelievable to make me fine and ready to play, but I’m ready to have a free shoulder and free body to be able to play.”
Jude Bellingham's absence is a significant blow to Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham's surgery is expected to sideline Bellingham for approximately three to four months, meaning—unless circumstances change—coach Xabi Alonso will likely be without his services until late 2025 or early 2026. His absence will be a major setback for Real Madrid’s midfield, where the young Englishman has quickly established himself as a vital presence since his arrival.
To revisit the origin of the injury, Bellingham dislocated his left shoulder during a clash with Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu in November 2023. While surgery was initially on the table, he chose to delay it to compete in Euro 2024. Now, with no pressing international duties and his short-term objectives met, Bellingham has opted to prioritize his recovery and return in peak condition.
Bellingham made the move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for a transfer fee of €103 million. Since then, he has tallied 38 goals and 27 assists across 96 appearances, playing a crucial role in the club’s success and helping secure multiple trophies.
