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England international Jude Bellingham has reportedly agreed a new long-term contract with Real Madrid that will keep him at the Spanish giants until June 2031, extending his commitment to the club by another two years.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, is expected to receive improved financial terms under the proposed agreement, reflecting his importance to the team and his growing influence in the dressing room. Blueprint reports
Spanish sports newspaper AS reported on Friday that negotiations began towards the end of last season, with both parties reaching an agreement over the extension. Bellingham’s existing contract was due to expire in 2029.
The reported renewal represents a significant development in Madrid’s long-term plans, as the club seeks to retain one of the most influential midfielders of his generation following his rapid rise from English football to the top of the European game.
Although reports indicate that the agreement has been reached, an official announcement from Real Madrid is still required to formally confirm the new contract and its terms.
From Birmingham City to European football’s elite
Bellingham’s journey to the top began at Birmingham City, where he progressed through the club’s academy before making his senior debut in August 2019 at just 16 years and 38 days old.
His debut made him the youngest first-team player in Birmingham City’s history, while he subsequently became the club’s youngest goalscorer.
Despite his age, Bellingham quickly established himself as a regular in the senior team, displaying maturity, physical strength, technical ability and an understanding of the game that attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
His performances in the 2019/2020 season helped him emerge as one of the most promising young talents in English football. At the end of that campaign, he secured a move to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
Birmingham City later retired his number 22 shirt following his departure, an unusual tribute to a young player that reflected the club’s appreciation of his contribution and the significance of his rise through its academy.
The decision to retire the shirt also became an important part of Bellingham’s early story, marking the beginning of a career that would soon take him onto the biggest stages in European football.
Dortmund move accelerated his development
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and spent three seasons with the Bundesliga club, developing into a complete midfielder capable of influencing matches in several ways.
He combined defensive work, ball recovery and pressing resistance with forward runs, passing ability and a growing threat in the attacking third. His performances against experienced opponents demonstrated that he could compete at the highest level despite being considerably younger than many of his teammates and rivals.
At Dortmund, he also gained valuable experience in the UEFA Champions League, facing elite European opposition and developing the tactical awareness required to perform consistently in high-pressure matches.
His influence increased during his time in Germany, culminating in the 2022/2023 season, when he was named Bundesliga Player of the Season. He also won the German Cup with Dortmund in 2021.
Bellingham’s performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who completed his signing in June 2023 for an initial transfer fee of approximately €103 million, with potential additional payments attached to the deal.
The transfer placed considerable expectations on the young Englishman. However, he adapted quickly to Spanish football and soon demonstrated why Madrid had invested so heavily in him.
A remarkable first season at Real Madrid
Bellingham made an immediate impact after arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, establishing himself as one of Madrid’s leading performers during his debut campaign.
He scored on his competitive debut against Athletic Club in August 2023 and continued to deliver goals and influential performances during the early months of the season.
His ability to arrive in the penalty area, exploit spaces between opposition defenders and contribute to attacks made him particularly effective in Madrid’s forward play.
One of the defining moments of his early Madrid career came in October 2023, when he scored twice against Barcelona in a 2-1 victory in his first El Clásico appearance. His late winner at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys underlined his ability to influence major matches.
Bellingham finished his first La Liga campaign with 19 goals, an outstanding return for a midfielder, and played a significant role in Madrid’s title-winning season.
He also helped the club win the UEFA Champions League, providing an assist for Vinícius Júnior in the 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley in June 2024.
Madrid’s triumph gave Bellingham the Champions League title in his first season with the club, adding one of football’s most prestigious honours to his growing collection of achievements.
He also won the Spanish Super Cup during that campaign, completing a trophy-laden first season in which his contribution extended beyond goals and assists.
Individual awards underline his rise
Bellingham’s achievements have also been recognised through several individual honours.
In 2023, he won both the Golden Boy award and the Kopa Trophy, prizes recognising outstanding young footballers. The awards followed his impressive performances for Dortmund and acknowledged his emergence among the leading young players in world football.
His achievements at Madrid further strengthened his reputation. He was named UEFA Super Cup MVP after Madrid’s victory in 2024 and was selected in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for a third consecutive year in 2025, according to the club.
By June 2026, Real Madrid reported that Bellingham had made 140 appearances for the club, scoring 46 goals and winning five titles.
Those achievements include the Champions League, La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
His contribution has been particularly notable because of the range of responsibilities he carries in midfield. Bellingham can operate deeper to help build attacks, advance the ball under pressure, make runs into the box and contribute defensively when the team loses possession.
England career adds to his profile
Bellingham’s rise has also been significant at international level.
He made his senior England debut in November 2020, aged 17, after representing the country at youth levels. He subsequently featured at the European Championship and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
At the 2022 World Cup, he scored his first senior international goal against Iran and helped England reach the quarter-finals.
He was also an important member of England’s squad at Euro 2024, scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16 before the team progressed to the final.
His international experience has added to his standing as one of England’s central figures, with his ability to influence matches in midfield making him a valuable option for the national team.
Madrid move to secure his long-term future
The reported extension until June 2031 would take Bellingham’s commitment to Madrid beyond his original agreement, which was due to expire in 2029.
The improved terms are understood to reflect his performances, importance to the squad and position within the club’s long-term sporting plans.
For Madrid, retaining Bellingham would provide continuity in a midfield that has undergone significant changes following the departures and reduced roles of several established figures, including Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.
For the player, the agreement would represent another major milestone in a career that has progressed from Birmingham City’s academy to Dortmund and then to one of the most decorated clubs in world football.
At just 23, Bellingham has already won major domestic and European honours, collected individual awards and established himself as a regular for England.
If formally confirmed, the new contract would secure his future at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2031 and give Real Madrid a further opportunity to build around a midfielder whose influence has grown considerably since his arrival from Germany.
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