Mourinho: Bellingham Back in Ballon d'Or Contention Under New System
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says Jude Bellingham is again a Ballon d'Or candidate after a tactical adjustment restored his attacking freedom. Bellingham struggled last season under previous coaches, but has two goals and two assists in three games this term. Mourinho criticized last year's setup, noting Bellingham often defended as a second left back.
Bellingham's production dropped sharply from 66 combined goals and assists across two seasons under Ancelotti to just 13 in the 2025-26 campaign. Mourinho's tactical adjustment appears to have reversed that decline, with the midfielder already contributing four goal involvements in three matches this term.
The tactical dilemma stemmed from accommodating both Mbappé and Vinícius Jr, who prefer minimal defensive duties. Alonso and Arbeloa resolved this by pushing Bellingham into a deeper left-sided role, a compromise the Englishman acknowledged in April may have cost him. Mourinho's new arrangement demands more defensive work from the forwards instead.
Mourinho's public endorsement could reshape how elite clubs balance star players with tactical structure. If Bellingham's resurgence continues, it may influence how managers deploy versatile midfielders alongside high-profile attackers, potentially shifting expectations around defensive contributions from forwards. Fans and analysts may also recalibrate Ballon d'Or discussions, while young players could see renewed value in specialized