Jude Bellingham has been named England’s men’s Player of the Year for a second consecutive season, following a record‑breaking campaign with the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup.
The 23‑year‑old Real Madrid midfielder scored a record seven goals for an England player at a major tournament, helping Thomas Tuchel’s side finish third – the nation’s best result since 1966.
Bellingham’s tally included a brace in the round‑of‑16 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium and another two‑goal haul in the quarter‑final victory against Norway in Miami. He also became the youngest European player to feature at four major tournaments.
“It feels great,” Bellingham said. “It’s a huge honour to be recognised by the fans again. So not something you think about when you’re playing for your country, but it’s obviously a beautiful little addition to the great summer we had, and the honour of playing for my country.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Bellingham’s impact, calling him “one of the outstanding players at the tournament” and noting that “he just thrives under pressure, he just loves these moments, he loves these stages and it brings out the very best in him.”
Captain Harry Kane was England’s leading goalscorer for a seventh straight season, netting 12 goals across all national‑team competitions – a tally that matches his best international season. Kane described the achievement as a “showcase of consistency” and thanked his teammates and coaches for their support.
The award was decided by supporters through the official England app, reflecting the fans’ view of the nation’s most influential player.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
