Jude Bellingham may have some tough days ahead after Real Madrid unexpectedly left him out of their 2026 calendar. This move by the Spanish giants has raised questions about the future of the 22-year-old midfielder. To add salt to the wound, England head coach Thomas Tuchel also overlooked Bellingham for the current international camp. Quite a blow for the young player, who was featured prominently on the front cover of Real Madrid’s 2025 calendar as Mr August.
The absence of Bellingham in next year’s calendar, priced at £10.99, has left many fans scratching their heads. Alongside Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was signed from Liverpool for £8.7 million, also did not make the cut. Instead, players like Dean Huijsen, a £50 million center-back signing from Bournemouth, and 20-year-old Turkish talent Arda Guler have taken their spots on the front cover. Within the calendar’s month-by-month pages, veterans like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have been given the spotlight.
Bellingham’s guaranteed starting position for Real Madrid has been called into question since his return from shoulder surgery last month. Tuchel’s decision to exclude him from the England squad further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future. Despite Boss Xabi Alonso expressing the need for Bellingham’s flexibility and versatility in the team, the player’s lack of rhythm has been a cause for concern. With only one start since his return from injury, Bellingham’s journey with Real Madrid seems to be facing some bumps along the way.
The history of English players at Real Madrid has been a mixed bag, with success stories like David Beckham and struggles like Michael Owen’s frustrating stint. Bellingham’s path with the Spanish club is still unfolding, and only time will tell if he can overcome these current challenges and leave his mark in the prestigious white jersey. Whether this omission from the calendar is just a blip or a sign of bigger changes to come, one thing is for sure – Bellingham will need to prove his worth on and off the field to secure his spot in the eyes of both Real Madrid and the English national team.
