Jude Bellingham Opens Up About 'Humbling' Comeback as He Returns from Injury for Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham marked his season debut for 2025–26 with an emotional social media post, expressing gratitude to Real Madrid supporters for their unwavering backing.

The English midfielder made his eagerly anticipated comeback during Real Madrid's 2–0 triumph against Espanyol on Saturday, entering the match in the 89th minute to thunderous applause from the packed Santiago Bernabéu crowd.

Though his playing time was limited to just one minute plus added time, Bellingham demonstrated excellent form in his short stint. The midfielder registered 10 touches and successfully completed six passes, including one precise through ball that almost set up a scoring chance for Real Madrid.

While Bellingham must wait longer for his first goal involvement this campaign, the 22-year-old shared his joy at returning to action in the famous white jersey after the win.

"Missed this and all of you so much," Bellingham posted on Instagram. "Truly humbled by the love you gave me in the stadium today and the support from everyone throughout my recovery, it means the world to me.

"Now for more. Hala Madrid!" he concluded.

Bellingham had been absent since the conclusion of this summer's FIFA Club World Cup. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star eventually underwent surgery to fix a shoulder dislocation he had been managing since his inaugural season at Real Madrid.

The shoulder operation was initially projected to sideline Bellingham until October at minimum, but the English player recovered faster than expected and earned a spot in Xabi Alonso's roster for Los Blancos' Champions League season opener.

The coach chose not to introduce Bellingham or Eduardo Camavinga against Marseille after his team was reduced to 10 players, but he granted both their season premieres four days afterward.

The return of Bellingham and Camavinga provides significant reinforcement for Real Madrid before next weekend's much-awaited Madrid derby.