**Record-Breaking Bellingham Voted England Player of the Year**
In a remarkable achievement, Jude Bellingham has been named England men's player of the year for the second consecutive season, following an extraordinary performance during the 2026 World Cup. The announcement was made by the Football Association on Friday. The 23-year-old midfielder, who plays for Real Madrid, made headlines during the tournament by scoring a record seven goals, the highest ever for an England player in a major tournament.
Bellingham's impressive goal tally played a crucial role in England's campaign, which culminated in the team's best finish at the World Cup since 1966, as they secured third place. Reflecting on his achievement, Bellingham expressed his gratitude, stating, “It feels great. It’s a huge honour to be recognised by the fans again. It’s obviously a beautiful little addition to the great summer we had, and the honour of playing for my country.”
The decision to award Bellingham was determined by votes from supporters using the official England app, highlighting the midfielder's popularity among fans. His World Cup performance included notable contributions such as scoring two goals in the thrilling round-of-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, as well as another two in the quarter-final match against Norway in Miami.
In addition to his goal-scoring feats, Bellingham achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest European player to participate in four major tournaments. This accomplishment further cements his status as one of the brightest talents in international football.
England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, praised Bellingham's contributions, stating that he was “one of the players of the tournament, not only for us but of the whole tournament.” Tuchel highlighted Bellingham's ability to perform under pressure, noting, “He just thrives under pressure, he just loves these moments, he loves these stages and it brings out the very best in him.”
While Bellingham shone on the field, England captain Harry Kane also had a standout season, finishing as the national team's top scorer for the seventh consecutive year. Kane netted 12 goals across all national team competitions, matching his personal best tally for England. He described his achievement as a “showcase of consistency” and expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches for their support throughout the season.
The recognition of Bellingham as England's player of the year not only highlights his individual talents but also reflects the collective success of the team during the World Cup. As England continues to build on their recent successes, Bellingham's contributions will undoubtedly remain pivotal in their future endeavors on the international stage.