After pushing through the pain for over a year, Jude Bellingham is finally ready to fix what’s been holding him back — quite literally.
The Real Madrid midfielder has been playing through a nagging shoulder injury since 2023, and now, he says enough is enough.
Surgery is officially scheduled, and Bellingham can’t wait to ditch the shoulder brace once and for all.
Playing Through the Pain Has Worn Him Down
Bellingham opened up after Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca at the FIFA Club World Cup in Charlotte, where he not only scored but was named Player of the Match.
Despite the big performance, all he could talk about was finally getting rid of the shoulder issues that have haunted him.
“I’m fed up with the brace,” he admitted. “Hopefully we reach the final, and then I’ve got surgery booked just a few days later to get it all sorted.
I’m really happy about that — it’s been a long time coming.”
Why the Brace Became Too Much
The issue hasn’t just been about pain, but frustration.
While the discomfort has eased slightly, the bigger problem has been dealing with constant irritation — especially in high-pressure games.
“It’s more annoying than painful now,” he said.
“Players keep grabbing at it, and every time it gets moved around or messed up, it’s just exhausting.
I’ve hit the limit with it. I’m tired of strapping it up all the time, especially in this heat. I just want to feel like myself again.”
Eyeing a Fresh Start Post-Surgery
For Bellingham, the upcoming surgery represents a clean slate — a chance to return to full fitness without worrying about the shoulder holding him back.
“I’m at the point now where I just want a free shoulder and a free body,” he said.
“I’m ready to get back to being myself out there.”
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Madrid are sitting in a solid position at the Club World Cup.
They drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal in their opening match, but now all eyes are on their upcoming game against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday.
A win would send them straight into the last 16.
Adding to the anticipation, Kylian Mbappe is expected to return for that match after recovering from a brief bout of gastroenteritis.
With Bellingham still firing and Mbappe potentially back in action, Madrid look ready to make a serious push toward the final — and Bellingham’s long-awaited surgery.