Jude Bellingham has been honored as England’s men’s player of the year for the 2024-25 season, further attesting to his status as one of football’s most exciting young prospects.
At just 22 years old, this talented midfielder has made a significant impact on the national team, scoring once in eight matches during England’s journey to Nations League promotion under interim manager Lee Carsley. Bellingham’s contributions were vital as the squad launched into World Cup qualifying under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. In a significant voter turnout, he surpassed prominent teammates Declan Rice and Harry Kane, who finished in second and third place, respectively. This recognition is noteworthy not only for its prestige but also because Bellingham becomes only the second player to receive this award while representing a foreign club, with the first being Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich in 2006.
Throughout the Nations League and World Cup qualifying matches, Bellingham demonstrated his all-encompassing abilities on the field. He netted a goal against Greece in October 2024, provided two assists, and earned a penalty against the Republic of Ireland in November. In March, during the World Cup qualifiers, he also assisted in a crucial match against Albania, showcasing his prowess as a dynamic midfielder and playmaker. Notably, Bellingham has made a successful return to the game following a shoulder surgery that sidelined him from July till September. His recovery is well-timed, as he is expected to participate in England’s forthcoming fixtures against Wales on 9 October and Latvia on 14 October, both crucial matches scheduled for 19:45 BST.
Reflecting on past award winners, Cole Palmer was the recipient of last year’s player of the year award, while Bukayo Saka held the distinction for two consecutive years prior to him. As the focus shifts to this year’s honors, excitement builds for the announcement of the women’s player of the year award in the coming autumn, where Alessia Russo stands out among an impressive list of 18 shortlisted players, especially given her success in the Euros with the Lionesses, which marked her second victory in this prestigious tournament and follows her winning of the individual trophy the previous year.
Bellingham’s acknowledgment as England’s men’s player of the year underscores his significance to the national team, known colloquially as the Three Lions. He has produced exceptional moments on the pitch, with his stunning overhead kick in stoppage time against Slovakia during the last Euros as a particularly memorable highlight. Despite his youth, having garnered 44 international caps is a testament to his rapid rise and substantial contributions to the team.
Over the past season, his influence has only intensified, highlighted by his five goal involvements across the eight matches he participated in. Under Tuchel’s leadership, he has been a continuous starter in every World Cup qualifier he was fit for, though their partnership has experienced some turbulence after Tuchel labeled Bellingham’s conduct on the field as “repulsive” during a live media interview. Nevertheless, Tuchel has issued an apology since that comment and continues to praise Bellingham for his talent and hard work.
Although Bellingham was unavailable for what was arguably England’s best performance under Tuchel—a remarkable 5-0 triumph against Serbia last month—his recovery from injury positions him perfectly to be reintegrated into the team during the upcoming international break. Tuchel is focused on solidifying his optimal starting eleven, and bringing back Bellingham is essential for achieving that goal.
In summary, Bellingham continues to grow both in experience—having participated in three major tournaments—and in skill, having secured trophies with Real Madrid. He is now a vital part of the leadership core within the England squad, embodying both talent and maturity at such a young age. If Tuchel hopes to steer England toward World Cup glory next summer, Bellingham’s exceptional quality and influence on the pitch will be critical to England’s success, promising a thrilling and hopeful journey ahead for players and fans alike.
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