Bellingham's Hamstring Heartbreak: 'Gutted for Weeks' But Back with a Bang in Derby Thriller
Jude Bellingham has spoken candidly about his 'long and tough' recovery from a seven-week hamstring injury, returning in Real Madrid's 3-2 derby win over Atlético Madrid. He's praised teammates Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde amid the club's resurgence under Álvaro Arbeloa, including knocking out Manchester City in the Champions League. The Englishman is now with the England squad for internationals.
Bellingham's Long Road from the Treatment Room
Imagine nursing a dodgy hamstring for seven weeks – that's longer than some transfer sagas drag on. Jude Bellingham, the English midfield maestro at Real Madrid, opened up about his misery after finally making his comeback in that pulsating 3-2 LaLiga derby win over Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu. As reported by Alex Kirkland at ESPN Spain, the lad was subbed on in the second half, his first action since early February, and it felt like he'd never been away.
Bellingham's season has been a proper injury curse. Just 15 LaLiga starts so far, thanks to shoulder surgery over summer that sidelined him till mid-September, then a thigh niggle that struck after ten minutes against Rayo Vallecano. Speaking to Real Madrid TV in fluent Spanish, he admitted: "It was long and tough. I was really sad for ages, but now I'm buzzing training with the lads again."
He's also earned a call-up to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel for the international break – talk about perfect timing.
Derby Delight and Madrid's Revival
That derby was pure chaos, the kind of game that leaves you hoarse from shouting at the telly. Madrid nicked it 3-2, and Bellingham slotted in seamlessly during the drama. The club's had a bumpy ride this term: boss Xabi Alonso got the boot in January, with Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in, but things are looking up.
They've just dumped Manchester City out of the Champions League last 16 – no mean feat – and this win keeps the momentum rolling. Bellingham couldn't hide his grin: "The team's on fire right now, solid at the back and lethal up top, especially the last few matches." And those Bernabéu nights? "Fans are unreal. That vibe pushes us, especially in derbies or against City. Every player feels it."
Madrid's not quite hitting the heights of Bellingham's debut year, when he bagged 19 LaLiga goals in 2023-24. This season? Just four strikes so far in 2025-26. But with the team clicking, who knows – he might rediscover that golden touch.
Props to Vini and Fede: The Clutch Kings
No Bellingham rant would be complete without bigging up his mates. Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde were on song against Atlético, both netting, just like they did across the two legs versus City. "In the rough patches, those two step up," Jude said. "When injuries hit hard, they've carried us. Fede's attitude is class, and Vini's bouncing back like a champ. What they're doing is mental."
Vinícius is reportedly 'not far off' his career best, per recent chatter, and with a massive Clásico looming against Barcelona on May 10, Madrid need every ounce of that form. Bellingham's return adds steel in midfield – think box-to-box energy with a side of goals.
It's all a bit like watching your best mate come back from a stag do disaster: bit wobbly at first, but soon smashing it. Madrid fans, crack open the san Miguel – there's silverware in the air. Jude's back, the team's humming, and Europe's trembling. What's next? Only the football gods know.