Jude Bellingham will undergo surgery after the Club World Cup

Jude Bellingham, one of the brightest young talents in world football and a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, has revealed that he will undergo surgery on his shoulder following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The announcement came shortly after Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday their opening win in the tournament which kept their hopes alive for another international title.

Bellingham, 21, has been playing through discomfort for several months after sustaining a shoulder injury earlier in the season. Despite the persistent pain, the England international has continued to deliver outstanding performances for both club and country, often playing with a heavy bandage or shoulder brace. However, he now admits that the ongoing discomfort and limitations have taken their toll physically and mentally.

“I’m going to have surgery on my shoulder after the Club World Cup,” Bellingham said in a post-match interview. “I’ve reached a point where I’m just losing patience I want this to be over. The medical team at Real Madrid has been phenomenal, constantly helping me manage the situation and making sure I could stay on the pitch. But even though the pain has subsided a bit, I’ve grown tired of having to play with the bandage.”

He went on to explain that the weather and match conditions in the tournament have further intensified his discomfort. “It’s really hot here. I’m sweating nonstop, and I feel like I’m losing weight from it. It’s exhausting. The surgery has already been scheduled for after the Club World Cup, and I’m honestly relieved that a solution is finally coming.”

The news raises questions about Bellingham’s availability for Real Madrid in the coming weeks, especially with a demanding calendar that includes La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and a potential deep run in the Copa del Rey. However, the club is said to be fully supportive of his decision and is prioritizing his long-term fitness.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly praised Bellingham’s toughness and commitment. Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, Bellingham has quickly become one of Madrid’s standout performers, scoring crucial goals and showing maturity far beyond his years. His resilience has been particularly noted, as he has continued to play at a high level despite managing a painful injury.

It’s not yet clear how long Bellingham will be sidelined following the procedure. Reports in Spain suggest the recovery time could range from three to six weeks, depending on the nature of the surgery and his rehabilitation progress. This could potentially keep him out of key fixtures in early 2025, including league matches and possibly the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

His decision to delay the surgery until after the Club World Cup reflects his determination to help Real Madrid secure yet another international title. The Club World Cup, although not as prestigious as UEFA or domestic trophies, still holds value for the club's legacy and global image. With Madrid aiming to add another piece of silverware to their collection, Bellingham’s presence in the midfield remains crucial.

The England national team will also be monitoring the situation closely, with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies approaching. Gareth Southgate and his staff will be hoping the midfielder makes a swift and full recovery in time for the next international window.

In the meantime, Real Madrid supporters will be hoping that Bellingham’s surgery goes smoothly and that he returns stronger than ever. His performances since joining the Spanish giants have already made him a fan favorite at the Santiago Bernabéu and the thought of a fully fit Jude Bellingham heading into the business end of the season is an exciting prospect for Los Blancos.