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José Mourinho has stated he believes Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is a genuine Ballon d'Or contender after scrapping a tactical role that hampered him under previous coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.
Following two outstanding seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, the 2025–26 campaign proved to be a difficult one for Bellingham. A return of eight goals and five assists across 40 appearances is far from disgraceful, but fell considerably short of the standards set by a player who had contributed to 66 goals over the two prior campaigns.
Bellingham has looked like his old self in the opening weeks of the Mourinho era, contributing two goals and two assists in three matches. He dominated proceedings in Sunday's 4–0 victory over Málaga, after which Mourinho detailed precisely how he has revitalized the English midfielder.
"Bellingham is not just a top-class player, but a true leader," Mourinho said. "He demands a lot from himself and from those around him. I really appreciate that quality in him.
"He is in the Ballon d'Or race. What he does as a midfielder is absolutely incredible."
Mourinho added: "Bellingham was sometimes defending like a second left back last season. I told him I don't want to see that anymore. I made a deal with him.
"Against Benfica, when they beat us [in the Champions League], it kept happening — Jude dropping deep on the left. He knows what is expected of him now. He feels comfortable doing it."
Mourinho Seeking Solution to Impossible Conundrum
Mourinho appears to have found the answer to Bellingham's dip in form, restoring the 23-year-old's freedom in a squad that does not always grant such privileges.
Last season, both Alonso and Arbeloa struggled to unlock Bellingham's best while fielding him alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior — two attacking talents who also thrive when relieved of defensive duties.
It was Bellingham who frequently curbed his attacking instincts to help maximize the output of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr last season, and the midfielder even acknowledged in April that he may have been a "victim" of his own adaptability.
Mourinho has made it abundantly clear this season that no player will be exempt from defensive work, sending a pointed message to both Vinícius Jr and Mbappé. Given that Bellingham was effectively functioning as a "second left back" in Mourinho's view, it is evident the new manager felt he was covering for his left-flank teammates far too frequently.
The other attackers will now be required to shoulder their own defensive duties while still contributing going forward. Bellingham has risen to the challenge early on and does not appear to have hindered Vinícius Jr (one goal, two assists) or Mbappé (four goals) in the season's opening weeks.
This is exactly the kind of impact Real Madrid supporters demand from their marquee players. Declaring that Mourinho has solved everything would be premature at this point, but the early indications are extremely encouraging.