‎Jude Bellingham to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid schedule midfielder for post-Club World Cup shoulder surgery

By: Shawn
‎Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to miss the start of the 2025-26 season, with the Spanish giants scheduling the star for shoulder surgery following the FIFA Club World Cup.
‎
Jude Bellingham to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid plan surgery after Club World Cup.
‎Getty Images Sport 
‎
‎According to reports from The Athletic, Real Madrid’s medical team has opted for surgical intervention to address Bellingham’s lingering shoulder injury—an issue that traces back to a dislocation sustained in a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. The 21-year-old midfielder has since managed the condition through pain management, but the heavy fixture load has delayed corrective surgery until now.
‎
‎The procedure is expected to sideline Bellingham for at least 12 weeks, ruling him out of pre-season training and the opening fixtures of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
‎
‎Despite a stellar debut season in Spain, which saw him emerge as one of Europe’s most talked-about midfielders, Bellingham's recent performances have raised internal concerns at the Bernabéu. Marca reports that Real Madrid have held multiple meetings to assess a noticeable dip in his form—tallying 13 goals and 14 assists this season, a decline from his blistering start.
‎
‎The club believes the persistent shoulder issue has hindered Bellingham’s recent output and aims to ensure a full recovery before he returns to action.
‎
‎Carlo Ancelotti, managing his final La Liga match with Real Madrid this weekend against Real Sociedad, is expected to include Bellingham in his squad before the player undergoes surgery.
‎
‎The decision to delay treatment until after the Club World Cup underscores both the player's importance to Madrid’s immediate ambitions and the long-term strategic focus on his fitness and longevity.
‎
‎Real Madrid fans and England supporters alike will hope the surgery restores Bellingham to full strength ahead of a packed 2025-26 season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up.

MORE FROM SPORT CRAVE

Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal? Former France International Says Premier League Move Cannot Be Ruled Out

Image
‎A future Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe cannot be completely ruled out, according to former France international Mikael Silvestre, who believes the Real Madrid forward should ultimately choose the club that gives him the strongest opportunity to win the major trophy missing from his career. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe’s future Premier League move is discussed as Mikael Silvestre says Arsenal cannot be ruled out. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Mbappe appeared to have found the ideal destination when he joined Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’. However, despite his outstanding individual performances, the France international is still waiting to secure the Champions League and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe Still Waiting for Champions League Success ‎ ‎Real Madrid have gone two seasons without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football, a situation that has reportedly added to the frustration surrounding Mbappe's pursuit of collective success. ...
Read more

Pep Guardiola Net Worth in 2026: Salary, Career Earnings, Manchester City Success and Coaching Legacy

Image
‎Pep Guardiola is a Spanish soccer coach and former professional soccer player with an estimated net worth of $160 million. ‎ ‎Widely considered one of the greatest managers in football history, Josep "Pep" Guardiola Sala transformed himself from the midfield orchestrator of Johan Cruyff's famed Barcelona "Dream Team" into one of the most influential coaches the sport has ever seen. His managerial success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City has been built on tactical innovation, positional play, relentless pressing, and exceptional control of matches. ‎ ‎Pep Guardiola's $160 million net worth, salary, career earnings, coaching success, and football legacy explained. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Throughout his coaching career, Guardiola has led some of football's most dominant teams, helping shape the careers of stars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona before guiding Manchester City to a historic treb...
Read more

‎Can England Win the 2026 World Cup? Defence Remains the Biggest Question

Image
‎England enter the 2026 World Cup with plenty of reasons for optimism. Harry Kane continues to rank among the finest strikers in world football, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, and Thomas Tuchel brings tactical expertise capable of maximizing an attack filled with elite talent. ‎ England boast elite attacking talent, but concerns over fitness and experience in defence could threaten World Cup success. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎Yet despite their strengths going forward, England's defensive unit remains a major source of uncertainty. ‎ ‎The contrast between attack and defence is striking. While England's forward line can be devastating, Tuchel's preferred back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly enters the tournament carrying concerns over fitness, experience and reliability. ‎ ‎Every contender has weaknesses, but England's defensive concerns are among the most visible and could ultimat...
Read more

Marcus Rashford to Liverpool? David James Backs Shock Premier League Transfer Idea

Image
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has made a sensational suggestion involving a potential move for Marcus Rashford to Liverpool, despite the fierce rivalry with Manchester United. James believes the England forward’s ability remains unquestionable and feels his qualities could still flourish under the right environment, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola mentioned as a key managerial influence capable of helping him rediscover top form. ‎ David James backs Liverpool to consider Marcus Rashford transfer, praising his talent and suggesting Iraola could help revive him. ‎Getty Images Sport  The former England international has urged Liverpool to at least consider the possibility of signing Rashford, describing him as an elite-level talent despite recent questions about consistency and his long-term future. Uncertainty around Rashford has grown following reports that Barcelona decided not to activate a £30 million option to make his loan move permanent, leaving his n...
Read more

Six Reasons Why England Will Not Win the World Cup Even With Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane

Image
‎Three decades after football was supposed to come "home" in 1996, England are still searching for their first major international trophy since lifting the World Cup in 1966. With Thomas Tuchel now in charge and an impressive qualifying campaign behind them, optimism is growing around the Three Lions. ‎ ‎England won every World Cup qualifier and did not concede a single goal. They also arrive as FIFA's fourth-ranked team and runners-up at the last two European Championships. With players such as Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in the squad, expectations are understandably high. ‎ ‎England look strong under Thomas Tuchel, but defensive issues, injuries and pressure could derail their World Cup hopes. ‎Getty Images Sport (3) ‎ ‎Tuchel's record of winning trophies across multiple countries, including the Champions League with Chelsea, has only strengthened belief. Yet despite the talent available, several issues continue to raise doubts about Engl...
Read more

Arsenal Agree €20m Leandro Trossard Transfer to Besiktas Amid World Cup Campaign

Image
Besiktas have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign Leandro Trossard in a transfer worth €20million (£17.1m, $22.9m). The proposed deal includes an initial €18million fee plus €2million in performance-related add-ons. However, the transfer has not yet been completed, with personal terms and a salary package worth up to around €9million still being finalized. ‎ ‎Besiktas have agreed a €20m deal with Arsenal for Leandro Trossard, with personal terms and wages still being finalized. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Trossard currently has one year remaining on his Arsenal contract. Although he agreed fresh terms in August 2025 that brought a significant salary increase, the agreement did not extend his stay beyond the existing 2027 expiry date. The 31-year-old is currently representing Belgium at the World Cup, where his side is preparing for a last-16 clash against the United States on Monday. He has started all four matches under Rudi Garcia, scoring twice in the 5-1 group-stag...
Read more

Harry Kane Reveals Why England Struggled Against Ghana in Goalless World Cup Draw

Image
Harry Kane has acknowledged that Ghana's disciplined defensive display played a major role in England being held to a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup match. The England captain endured a quiet evening in front of goal, with Ghana successfully restricting his movement and limiting clear-cut opportunities. ‎ ‎Harry Kane discusses his missed late chance and Ghana's defensive tactics after England's draw. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Compact Ghana Defence Restricts Three Lions Following an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, expectations were high for England heading into the clash. Kane had scored twice in that opening triumph, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also among the goals. Yet Ghana, under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz, produced a resilient defensive performance. Their compact shape denied England space in dangerous areas and prevented the Three Lions from replicating the attacking display shown in their previous outing. The statistics refle...
Read more

‎Spain vs Cape Verde Player Ratings: La Roja Held to Shock 0-0 World Cup Draw Despite Lamine Yamal Return

Image
‎Spain's 2026 World Cup campaign suffered an unexpected setback as Cape Verde secured a remarkable 0-0 draw against the reigning European champions in Atalanta on Monday. ‎ ‎Few gave the tournament debutants any chance of taking points from Spain, but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as the hero of the occasion. The 40-year-old delivered a string of crucial saves to frustrate La Roja and preserve a memorable clean sheet. ‎ Spain were held 0-0 by Cape Verde as Ferran Torres and Gavi struggled despite Lamine Yamal's late introduction. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ ‎Although Spain dominated possession, their attacking display fell short of expectations against a side ranked 64th in the world. Pedri struggled to influence the match at his usual level, while the forward line failed to capitalize on the opportunities that did arrive. ‎ ‎Ferran Torres endured a particularly frustrating evening. The attacker squandered a golden chance in the first half when he struck the crossbar from cl...
Read more

The Rise of Umar 'Mai Yaki' Muhammed: A Young Basketballer’s Journey of Passion and Ambition

Image
‎For Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a passion that has grown into a dream—one that he hopes will take him from the courts of Niger to bigger stages across Nigeria and, eventually, the world. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed. ‎Mai Yaki via SC ‎ ‎The upcoming basketballer from Niger, Nigeria, is currently based in Abuja, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game and develop himself as a player. With ambition, dedication and a growing love for basketball, Umar is focused on building a future in the sport he has come to love. ‎ ‎In this exclusive conversation with Sport Crave, Umar opens up about how his journey with basketball began, what keeps him motivated and what he hopes the future holds for his career. ‎ ‎Sport Crave: Umar, tell us about yourself and your basketball journey. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed: My name is Umar Muhammed, but many people know me as “Mai Yaki.” I am a basketball player from Niger, Nigeria, and right n...
Read more

'I Don’t Have Energy': ‎Marcus Rashford Refuses to Discuss Manchester United Future Before World Cup Knockout Match

Image
‎Marcus Rashford has dismissed concerns over his Manchester United future, saying his complete focus remains on England as they prepare for a crucial World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico. ‎ ‎Marcus Rashford says England's World Cup campaign is his only priority despite ongoing transfer uncertainty. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎England Comes First for Rashford ‎ ‎With transfer speculation continuing around the Manchester United forward, Rashford has chosen to put all club-related matters on hold until England's World Cup campaign is over. ‎ ‎After spending last season on loan at Barcelona, where he regained form in La Liga, the Catalan side decided against activating the £26 million option to sign him permanently. ‎ ‎Ahead of England's knockout fixture, Rashford explained his approach to the situation. ‎ ‎“As a person, I live in the moment,” he said. “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup. I wanted it done before, and if not, then I won't...
Read more