Bellingham Shares Thoughts Ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico
Real Madrid’s midfield maestro, Jude Bellingham, is gearing up for one of the biggest matches of the season: El Clásico against FC Barcelona. In an exclusive interview with Real Madrid TV, the 22-year-old Englishman spoke about his anticipation for the showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu, the recovery from his shoulder surgery, and what it takes to excel in such a high-pressure fixture.
“A Dream Match Growing Up”

Bellingham admitted that El Clásico has always been a game he’s cherished watching since childhood. The intensity, passion, and global significance of the encounter have long made it one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football.
“I grew up watching El Clásico as a kid. It’s probably one of the biggest games in the world,” said Bellingham. “As a child, I watched them all, and I’ve already played in a few. I’ve had some great moments in these matches, and some more difficult ones, but it’s always an incredible experience.”
With his recent return to form and fitness after shoulder surgery, Bellingham will be crucial in Real Madrid’s midfield, as they look to extend their strong run of results.
Recovery and Return to Form
Bellingham’s injury troubles kept him sidelined for a stretch, but the midfielder has returned to full fitness, much to the relief of fans and coaching staff alike. Reflecting on his progress, he expressed his satisfaction with his physical condition heading into the clash with Barcelona.
“I feel really good and happy to be back on the pitch,” Bellingham said. “In the last few games before the international break and then against Getafe and Juventus, I started feeling much closer to my best. I’m strong, positive, and probably in the best physical shape I’ve been in for a long time.”
The young star’s recovery is evident, with his performances in recent weeks showing why he remains one of the most vital pieces in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. Bellingham added, “I’m ready to give my all and do whatever it takes for the team to keep up the momentum. We’ve built something great, and now it’s about carrying that forward into this huge game.”
Managing the Mental Game
While physical fitness is key to performing in a match of El Clásico’s magnitude, Bellingham emphasized that mental stability will be just as important. He believes that the emotional and psychological aspects of such high-stakes games can often make the difference between victory and defeat.
“A big part of El Clásico is managing the game, the moment, and the emotions,” Bellingham explained. “It’s about handling the pressure and the atmosphere, which is going to be huge. I think last year, when we found ourselves behind in certain games, it affected us too much, and we let the game slip away.”
This time around, Bellingham is determined to maintain his composure. He continued, “We know how they play and how we want to play. Now it’s about staying mentally stable for the full 90 minutes. It’s these small details — the nerves, the pressure, the atmosphere — that can make all the difference.”
Tactical Insights for El Clásico
With a wealth of experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, Bellingham knows that El Clásico is more than just a physical battle — it’s a tactical one. The midfielder highlighted that preparation and understanding of the opponent’s style will be crucial for Real Madrid’s success.
“We’re aware of how Barcelona plays, and we know what we need to do to implement our style,” Bellingham said. “It’s not just about tactics; it’s about staying in the moment and making sure we manage everything else that comes with playing in such a massive game.”
With his leadership and maturity on the pitch, Bellingham will play a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid navigate the inevitable highs and lows that come with a match of this significance.
Anticipation for the Big Match
As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated clash between two of the world’s biggest football clubs, Jude Bellingham is poised to be one of the standout players. His experience, technical ability, and mental fortitude will be crucial in helping Real Madrid secure a positive result and continue their fine form heading into the second half of the season.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Bellingham concluded, full of excitement and determination. “These are the kinds of games you dream about as a kid, and now I get to play in them. We want to keep our momentum going, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve that.”
