Bellingham wins England Player of the Year for second straight season

Jude Bellingham has won the England men’s Player of the Year award for a second successive season after a record-breaking campaign with the Three Lions.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored a record seven goals for an England men’s player at a major tournament during the 2026 World Cup, where Thomas Tuchel’s side finished third for their best result since 1966.

Bellingham’s tournament tally included two goals in England’s thrilling round-of-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium and another brace in their quarter-final win over Norway in Miami.

His performances also saw him become 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.”

The award was decided by supporters through the official England app.

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Bellingham’s impact at the World Cup, describing him as one of the outstanding players at the tournament.

“He lived up to his full potential; you could just see what a competitor and what a machine he is,” Tuchel said.

“He just thrives under pressure, he just loves these moments, he loves these stages and it brings out the very best in him.”

Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane was England’s leading goalscorer for a seventh consecutive season after scoring 12 goals across all national-team competitions, matching his best international tally.

Kane described the achievement as a “showcase of consistency” and thanked his teammates and coaches for their support.