Real Madrid fans have been waiting for some good news, and it looks like they might finally get it. Manager Xabi Alonso has shared that he’s hopeful star midfielder Jude Bellingham could return to action before October. Bellingham has been recovering from shoulder surgery and has missed several games, but signs are pointing in the right direction.
This is big news not just for Madrid, but also for soccer fans everywhere, because Bellingham is one of the brightest young talents in the world. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow.
What Happened to Jude Bellingham?
Bellingham, who is just 22 years old, has already made a huge impact since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund two years ago. He became a fan favorite almost immediately, thanks to his leadership on the field, goal-scoring ability from midfield, and calm personality despite being so young.
But there’s been one problem. For almost two years, Bellingham has been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. The issue actually began during a match against Rayo Vallecano in late 2023. After that game, his shoulder continued to bother him, forcing him to miss matches for both Real Madrid and the England national team.
At first, he tried to play through the pain, even wearing special strapping around his shoulder. Fans often noticed him with a sling or tape holding the joint in place. But in June, Bellingham finally admitted he couldn’t handle it anymore, saying:
“I was sick of playing with the sling.”
So, in July 2025, Bellingham had surgery to fix the issue once and for all.
Xabi Alonso’s Update
During a press conference on Friday, Xabi Alonso gave some encouraging updates:
Bellingham has started training lightly with the group again.
The midfielder is “feeling very well” and making strong progress.
Xabi Alonso hopes Bellingham could return to full action before October.
That timeline is faster than many expected, so fans are thrilled.
Xabi Alonso added:
“I want to be optimistic and hope he can be back before October. He has made a great effort in his recovery.”
For Madrid, getting Bellingham back soon would be like signing a new superstar all over again.
Why Bellingham’s Return Matters
Bellingham is not just any player. He has become the heart of Madrid’s midfield, combining the toughness of a defensive player with the creativity of an attacking midfielder. In his debut season with Real Madrid (2023–24), he scored 23 goals in all competitions, which is crazy for a midfielder.
Here are a few quick soccer facts about Bellingham:
He was the youngest ever captain of Borussia Dortmund before leaving for Madrid.
At age 19, he was already playing for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He’s often compared to great midfielders like Steven Gerrard and Zinedine Zidane.
For Real Madrid, his return is crucial because the club is aiming for another LaLiga title and a deep run in the Champions League.
Real Madrid’s Current Situation
Right now, Madrid is in great shape. After three games, they are top of LaLiga with 9 points, tied with Athletic Bilbao. They’ve won all their opening matches, and the squad looks sharp.
After the international break, Real Madrid will play Real Sociedad on Saturday. That’s never an easy match because Sociedad is strong at home, especially at the Anoeta Stadium. Then, Madrid kicks off their Champions League campaign against Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday.
Xabi Alonso knows this period will be tough. He explained that the team needs to stay focused, take things step by step, and not lose sight of the bigger picture.
Short-Term Goals, Long-Term Dreams
Xabi Alonso shared something interesting about how he manages his team: he likes to set short-term goals during the season. Instead of only focusing on April and May (when trophies are won), he breaks the year down into smaller parts.
That way, players can stay motivated and avoid burning out. He also mentioned that the international break was good because the squad returned without any new injuries.
This is important, because Madrid has one of the busiest schedules in Europe. Between LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League, they could play over 50 matches in one season.
Other Soccer News Around Europe
While Madrid is dealing with Bellingham’s recovery, other big stories are happening in soccer:
Barcelona, Madrid’s biggest rival, has also started strong in LaLiga, making the race for the title extra exciting.
In the Premier League, Manchester City is once again leading the way, with Erling Haaland scoring goals for fun.
Over in Italy, Inter Milan looks like the team to beat in Serie A.
For Real Madrid fans, though, the biggest headline is all about Bellingham’s recovery.
Xabi Alonso
Combo: Why Madrid Still Looks Dangerous
Even without Bellingham, Real Madrid has been strong. That’s because of their incredible squad depth. Here’s the combo that makes them so tough:
Midfield strength: Players like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni have stepped up big time.
Veteran leadership: Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, even though they’re older, still bring world-class quality.
New attacking stars: Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo continue to be dangerous on the wings, while new signing Endrick has already shown flashes of brilliance.
Solid defense: Antonio Rüdiger has been a rock at the back, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains one of the best in the world.
So, while Bellingham’s absence has been felt, Madrid hasn’t slowed down.
Looking Ahead
If Bellingham does return before October, it could be the perfect boost before Madrid faces the toughest part of their season. Matches against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Champions League giants are all coming up this fall.
Fans are excited not just because Bellingham is a star, but because his energy lifts the entire team. As Xabi Alonso said, “Every match is very important.” With Bellingham back, Madrid will believe they can win everything.
Xabi Alonso
Final Thoughts
Soccer is a long season full of ups and downs. Injuries, schedules, and pressure all play a role. But what makes the sport special is how players bounce back. Jude Bellingham’s story is just another reminder of that.
From battling through pain with a strapped-up shoulder to finally choosing surgery, Bellingham has shown courage. And now, his return feels closer than ever.
For Real Madrid, the dream is simple: keep winning, stay healthy, and get their young superstar back on the pitch. If that happens, they’ll have every chance to add more trophies to their already legendary history.
Xabi Alonso