JUDE Bellingham was already a star before the 2026 World Cup got underway, but the recently turned 23-year-old really came of age at this summer’s tournament, writes Vlad Andrejevic.

His recent success has not just been down to his team mates but also his mum, Denise. Bellingham shares an exceptionally close relationship with his mother. She relocated to Spain with him when he joined Real Madrid to help manage his daily routine, finances, and meals, and she previously lived with him in Germany during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

He frequently credits his mother for keeping him grounded and helping him maintain his discipline on the pitch. The family structure involved a unique sacrifice to support both Jude and his younger brother, Jobe: while Denise traveled abroad to care for Jude, his father, Mark, stayed in England to support Jobe’s football career.

For many who have followed the young man’s brilliant career thus far, it will come as little surprise to see one of the world’s best midfielders perform to the highest level on the biggest stage. However, before the tournament, there were still some questions over whether he should start for England.

Those doubts, a few of which were somewhat agenda-driven, have been emphatically silenced on all fronts. Bellingham not only reiterated the exceptional talent that brought him to Real Madrid, but also showed courage, leadership and the unique ability of stepping up when it mattered most.

He frequently credits his mother for keeping him grounded

It came at a vital time for England, despite them ultimately falling short against Argentina in the semi-finals. Harry Kane, the Three Lions’ captain, has long been the source of both inspiration and goals for his country, becoming England’s all-time top goalscorer in the process.

The burden has almost single-handedly fallen on the striker, especially since Raheem Sterling’s departure from the international stage, but Bellingham has ensured that is no longer the case.

The versatile midfielder scored seven goals at the World Cup, making him the highest goalscorer ever for England at a major tournament. It was his brace that saw England overcome a stubborn Norway side in the quarter-finals, five days on from scoring two in a historic performance against Mexico.

Bellingham’s final goal, to ensure his country came home with their best result at a World Cup since 1966 with a bronze medal, exemplified his remarkable tournament. Despite coming on with 12 minutes to play, the midfielder had the last laugh, running onto the ball inside his own half before twisting and turning his way into the box and calmly finishing to ensure England beat France 6-4.

However, it was not just Bellingham’s goals that have earned him undue praise this tournament. It was also his work rate, which saw the former Birmingham City star defend like his life depended on it.

It was his leadership, taking the mantle in the most difficult moments to help his team get over the line. It was his will to win that inspired his team mates to give everything until the final whistle.

These intangible qualities, mixed with limitless technical talent, is what saw Bellingham enter a new sphere of influence for England, and what has propelled him into the conversation of greats, despite being just 22 years old at the start of the tournament. He became the face of the England squad, even forgoing his scepticism of the media to speak on multiple occasions on behalf of his team.

The remarkable maturity to not only recognise his importance, but to embrace it, really stood out at the World Cup. However, given his unusual route to stardom, this should not come as a surprise.

Born just a few miles from Birmingham, Bellingham made his senior debut for Birmingham FC at just 16 years old, becoming the club’s youngest ever first-team player.

He excelled in the middle of the park, featuring in all but one Championship game that season, scoring four goals in the process. Naturally, Premier League clubs were circling the breakout star, but to many people’s surprise, Bellingham opted to move to Borussia Dortmund instead to carry on his development.

It turned out to be a very wise decision. The Bundesliga club has an excellent reputation for nurturing young talent, affording game time to young players and giving them a platform to develop. These were the perfect conditions for Bellingham to not only grow, but excel, as he was instantly part of the first team.

Bellingham spent three years at the historic German club, during which time he helped the club secure the DFB-Pokal. His performances quickly saw him enter the international frame, making his debut for England at just 17 years old.

He is the Three Lions’ best player along with Kane, and is a future captain in the making

Mere months later, Bellingham was called up to the England squad for Euro 2020, coming on in their opening game against Croatia to become the youngest Englishman to play at a major tournament.

He helped England reach their first European final before they infamously lost to Italy on penalties. Bellingham had played a bit-part role, however, come the 2022 World Cup just a year later, the midfielder had become one of the first names on the team sheet, guiding England to the quarterfinals.

At club level, Bellingham had again been linked with a return to England. Instead, he took the brave and ultimately excellent decision to move to Real Madrid, becoming just the sixth Englishman to join the historic club. In his first season, the then 20-year-old went on to score 23 goals across all competitions, winning both La Liga and the Champions League in the process and finishing third in the Ballon D’or nominations.

Bellingham carried his form onto the international stage as he continued to be a mainstay for the Three Lions, once again helping them reach a final in Euro 2024, scoring two goals at the tournament. His legacy for England was already solidified, however, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it reached new heights.

With 56 caps already to his name, coinciding with the country’s best sustained success in international football for generations, Bellingham can already be considered an England legend.

However, his goals and overall performances this summer proves that not only is he the Three Lions’ best player along with Kane, but he is a future captain in the making and could be on course to be the greatest footballer this country has ever produced.