Jude Bellingham wins England award

Jude Bellingham has been named England’s men’s player of the year for the 2024-25 campaign after a standout season for both club and country. 

The 22-year-old midfielder secured the award following a vote by supporters, finishing ahead of Declan Rice and Harry Kane.

The Real Madrid star became only the second player to win the honour while playing for a non-English club, following Owen Hargreaves, who claimed the award in 2006 while at Bayern Munich.

Bellingham’s impact was evident as he played a key role in England’s Nations League promotion under interim coach Lee Carsley and helped kickstart World Cup qualifying under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Across the season, Bellingham was involved in five England goals, scoring against Greece in October 2024, providing two assists and winning a penalty against the Republic of Ireland in November, before setting up another goal in World Cup qualifying against Albania in March. 

His influence came despite missing part of the year due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in July.

Now back to full fitness, Bellingham is expected to feature in England’s upcoming fixtures against Wales on 9 October and Latvia on 14 October. 

His return comes at a crucial moment as Tuchel looks to refine his strongest lineup ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

The recognition marks another milestone in Bellingham’s rapid rise. Already with 44 international caps, he has been part of three major tournaments, won trophies at Real Madrid, and is now a member of England’s leadership group. His development has made him one of the most influential figures in the squad at a young age.

Bellingham succeeds Cole Palmer, who won the award last year, while Bukayo Saka claimed it in the two seasons prior. The women’s player of the year winner will be announced later this autumn, with Euro 2025 champion Alessia Russo among the 18 players shortlisted.