Jude Bellingham Shatters 19-Year Record to Claim England's Most Coveted Honor
Jude Bellingham has been awarded England Men's Player of the Year for 2024–25, marking the first time in almost twenty years that a player from a foreign club has claimed this prestigious honor.
The Real Madrid midfielder earned this recognition following eight international appearances for England during the previous campaign. Bellingham contributed to England's successful UEFA Nations League promotion, scoring against Greece and providing two assists in the match versus the Republic of Ireland.
The 22-year-old also participated in England's qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he delivered the assist for Myles Lewis-Skelly's historic winning goal against Albania.
Bellingham edged out Declan Rice, who finished as runner-up, and Harry Kane, who placed third in the selection process, to claim the England Men's Player of the Year accolade. The midfielder has now earned his place alongside legendary figures such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham among previous recipients.
England Men's Player of the Year Award: Complete History of Winners
Year | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
2024–25 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid |
2023–24 | Cole Palmer | Chelsea |
2022–23 | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
2021–22 | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
2019 | Kalvin Phillips | Leeds United |
2018 | Jordan Henderson | Liverpool |
2017 | Harry Kane | Tottenham Hotspur |
2016 | Harry Kane | Tottenham Hotspur |
2015 | Adam Lallana | Liverpool |
2014 | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United |
2013 | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United |
2012 | Steven Gerrard | Liverpool |
2011 | Scott Parker | Tottenham Hotspur |
2010 | Ashley Cole | Chelsea |
2009 | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United |
2008 | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United |
2007 | Steven Gerrard | Liverpool |
2006 | Owen Hargreaves | Bayern Munich |
2005 | Frank Lampard | Chelsea |
2004 | Frank Lampard | Chelsea |
2003 | David Beckham | Manchester United |
Owen Hargreaves, who secured the accolade in 2006, was the sole previous winner to earn the distinction while playing for a non-English team. The former Bayern Munich midfielder maintained this unique record for 19 years before Bellingham's achievement.
The Real Madrid talent succeeded Cole Palmer, who held the title as the previous England Men's Player of the Year recipient. Prior to Palmer's victory, Bukayo Saka captured the honor in consecutive seasons.
Jude Bellingham's Response to His Maiden England Recognition
Bellingham utilized social media platforms to work with England's official Instagram account, sharing an image of himself holding the England Men's Player of the Year trophy.
The England star also uploaded the photograph to his Instagram story, adding the caption "Thank you."
Bellingham and England are scheduled to return to competitive action during the October international window. The Three Lions will face Wales in a friendly encounter before meeting Latvia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.