Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery following the 2025 Club World Cup, after over a year of pain that conservative treatments failed to resolve.
Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham have finally reached an agreement to address the persistent pain in his left shoulder that has affected the English midfielder for over a year. After several delays and attempts with conservative treatments, Bellingham will now undergo surgery to resolve the issue once and for all.
The injury dates back to late 2023, during a match against Rayo Vallecano, where Jude fell awkwardly and began experiencing significant discomfort. Since then, he has repeatedly shown signs of pain during high-contact plays and intense physical challenges.
Real Madrid’s medical staff initially tried various non-surgical methods to avoid sidelining the player. Despite these efforts, Bellingham continued to play under Carlo Ancelotti and also featured for the England national team, but his performance remained inconsistent. He often wore heavy strapping on his left shoulder and frequently complained of discomfort throughout the season.
Surgery scheduled after Club World Cup
With the conclusion of LaLiga 2024–25, both Bellingham and the club’s medical and coaching teams agreed it was finally time for a definitive solution. The consensus was clear: surgery is necessary, and the recovery period must be accepted.
The main question was when to schedule the procedure. According to the latest reports, Bellingham will undergo surgery immediately after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. By using the summer break to recover, he’s expected to miss around three months, though the timeline may vary depending on his recovery progress.
Strategic timing for Xabi Alonso’s project
Real Madrid believes that the start of the season is the least disruptive time to be without Bellingham, especially as Xabi Alonso begins his tenure as head coach. The club is confident that Jude will return in time to adapt to the new system, regain his full fitness, and be ready for what promises to be a packed and high-stakes season, culminating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
