Jude Bellingham Defends His Real Madrid Goal Record Since Changing Position After Kylian Mbappe’s Arrival

Bellingham Adapts to a New Galactico Era

It feels like just yesterday that Jude Bellingham stepped onto the hallowed turf of the Santiago Bernabeu, already carrying the weight of immense expectations. From his very first season, the English midfielder made an indelible mark on Real Madrid, emerging as one of the most lethal goal scorers in world football. His debut campaign was nothing short of a fairytale, as he slotted into the tip of a midfield diamond and shouldered the responsibility left by Karim Benzema’s departure.

In that first season, Bellingham scored a remarkable 23 goals across all competitions, producing crucial moments in El Clasico and the Champions League that turned heads worldwide. The image of him standing with arms outstretched after yet another late winner, basking in the roar of the Madridista faithful, became emblematic of Carlo Ancelotti’s double-winning side. At just 21, Bellingham had quickly cemented himself not only as a fan favourite but as a pivotal figure in the club’s attack.

But football, like life, is never static. Just as Bellingham was hitting his stride, Real Madrid underwent another seismic shift.

The Mbappe Effect on Bellingham

Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid CF – LaLiga EA Sports

The summer of 2024 brought one of the biggest signings in world football history: Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar arrived at Real Madrid with a proven record of hitting 40 goals a season, instantly taking on the role of the club’s primary goal scorer. While fans celebrated the acquisition of a guaranteed superstar, the reality for Bellingham was that the team’s attacking blueprint had changed.

No longer the focal point for crosses or the player tasked with breaking through packed defensive lines, Bellingham was redeployed deeper into the midfield. This transition naturally affected his raw goal output. After scoring 15 goals in his first season alongside Mbappe, he has netted just five so far this term. Predictably, some sections of the Spanish press began to question whether Bellingham’s influence had waned in the shadow of the Frenchman.

However, Bellingham himself has been quick to dismiss such criticism. In a recent interview, he explained that the shift was both natural and necessary to maximize Mbappe’s incredible talents. “It has been an easy change,” Bellingham said. “In my first season here I lived very close to the rival box and scored quite a few goals, but after the arrival of Mbappe, we have a natural striker who scores 40 goals per season and it is no longer necessary for me to be so far forward.”

He emphasized that while he may not be chasing the Pichichi trophy anymore, his contribution to the team remains significant. “Every season I am going to contribute my goals, I have that arrival,” Bellingham continued. “I scored 15 playing further back, which is not bad at all. This year I am playing further back and I influence the play more. It is a different role but goals have never been the most important thing for me.”

This statement underlines a crucial point: Bellingham’s influence isn’t measured solely by goals. His ability to control the game from deeper positions, dictate tempo, and create opportunities for his teammates is just as vital, if not more, to Real Madrid’s ongoing success.

Defending Vinicius Jr Amid a Tough Season

While Bellingham has adjusted to his new responsibilities, he has also taken on a leadership role, particularly when it comes to defending his teammates. Vinicius Jr, the electric Brazilian winger, has endured a challenging 2025-26 campaign. On the pitch, he has struggled to find his usual finishing touch, while off it, reports of tension with manager Xabi Alonso have only amplified scrutiny.

Vinicius has been dropped from the starting XI on multiple occasions, leading to speculation about a fractured relationship with the Basque coach. Many fans have grown frustrated as the winger’s form has dipped, missing chances that he would normally convert with ease.

Yet Bellingham is unwavering in his support. He sees beyond the statistics and understands the broader picture of what Vinicius contributes to the team. “From my perspective I think there is a lot of pressure on Vini,” Bellingham said. “He does a lot of good on the pitch. Maybe there is a block in front of goal, but I see an electric and very creative player.”

Bellingham’s words underscore the importance of context when evaluating a player’s performance. Vinicius may not be finishing at his peak this season, but his movement, creativity, and ability to destabilize defenses remain invaluable. His presence on the left flank often opens space for teammates like Mbappe, who can then exploit gaps in the opposition defense.

“Goals don’t count the whole truth,” Bellingham explained. “There are assists and important plays. We have to see him as a very useful teammate. I am sure he will be his old self again.” This loyalty and insight highlight Bellingham’s maturity, not just as a footballer, but as a team player who understands the nuances of high-level football.

Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC – LaLiga EA Sports

The Bigger Picture for Real Madrid

For Bellingham, the evolution of his role and the support for Vinicius Jr are part of a broader narrative about adaptation and teamwork. Real Madrid’s attack has become more multi-dimensional, with Mbappe leading the charge while players like Bellingham and Vinicius contribute in more nuanced ways. The Englishman’s willingness to sacrifice his own goal-scoring stats for the greater good of the team demonstrates a level of football intelligence rare for someone so young.

However, the pressure on Madrid is intense. Having missed out on major silverware last season, expectations are sky-high under coach Xabi Alonso. Currently, the team trails arch-rivals Barcelona by four points in La Liga, highlighting the fine margins at the top of Spanish football.

Bellingham’s recalibrated role also reflects the reality of elite football: adaptability is everything. Top clubs are rarely built around a single superstar; instead, they thrive when players complement each other, filling roles that best suit the collective strategy. In this sense, Bellingham’s shift deeper into midfield isn’t a downgrade—it’s a tactical evolution designed to harness the full potential of Real Madrid’s new Galactico era.

Conclusion: Bellingham’s Leadership and Perspective

Jude Bellingham’s journey at Real Madrid continues to evolve, from a goal-scoring sensation to a versatile midfield powerhouse. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe has reshaped the team’s attacking philosophy, but rather than diminishing Bellingham’s influence, it has showcased his adaptability, vision, and leadership.

Moreover, his support for Vinicius Jr underscores his maturity both on and off the pitch. Bellingham understands that football is not just about numbers—it’s about contribution, creativity, and teamwork. In a squad laden with stars, these qualities may be less visible than a stunning goal, but they are just as crucial for sustained success.

As Real Madrid navigates the challenges of the current La Liga season and continues its pursuit of Champions League glory, Bellingham remains central to the club’s plans. His evolution is a reminder that greatness isn’t measured solely in goals—it’s about the influence, intelligence, and unselfishness that define truly world-class players.

In the end, Jude Bellingham is not just adapting to a new role; he is embracing it, thriving in it, and proving that even in the shadow of a superstar like Mbappe, he is indispensable to Real Madrid’s success. And as for Vinicius Jr, Bellingham’s confidence in his teammate is a testament to the belief that true talent eventually finds its way back to the spotlight.