Real Madrid’s 2026 Calendar Omits Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, once the golden face of Real Madrid, has been left out of the club’s official 2026 calendar — a move that has surprised fans and reignited questions about his recent form, physical fitness, and future under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who featured prominently on the cover of the 2025 edition, is now absent from next year’s lineup. The new £10.99 calendar highlights younger talents like Arda Güler and Dean Huijsen, alongside seasoned stars Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão.
The Reason Behind the Decision
According to The Sun, Bellingham’s omission may be linked to his shoulder surgery earlier this year, which delayed his return to full match fitness.
Since coming back in September, he has started only one of Madrid’s last three games — the 5–2 derby loss to Atlético Madrid — and came off the bench in the others.
Although Alonso continues to praise Bellingham’s versatility and football intelligence, the Spanish coach seems reluctant to disrupt a midfield now thriving with form players and rising prospects.
From Poster Boy to Uncertain Role
The decision to exclude Bellingham from such a symbolic piece of club marketing has been widely interpreted as a reflection of his shifting status within the team.
Under former coach Carlo Ancelotti, the Englishman was the centerpiece of Madrid’s attack and a fan favorite.
But tactical adjustments and his slower-than-expected recovery have pushed him slightly out of the spotlight.
Meanwhile, competition in midfield has grown fiercer — with Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono emerging as serious contenders for starting roles.
England Snub Adds to the Frustration
Adding to his recent challenges, Bellingham was also left out of England’s squad for the October international break by coach Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel cited a lack of match rhythm and full fitness but emphasized that Bellingham “remains one of the best midfielders in the world” and simply needs time to rediscover his best form.
This dual exclusion — from both club promotions and the national team — marks an unfamiliar phase for the player once viewed as indispensable for both sides.
Alexander-Arnold Also Missing from Madrid’s Calendar
Interestingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold, another English international, is also absent from Real Madrid’s 2026 calendar.
The right-back joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool last summer for £8.4 million but has endured a difficult start due to injuries.
He suffered a hamstring tear in the Champions League opener against Marseille, ruling him out for six to eight weeks — including key fixtures against Atlético Madrid and former club Liverpool.
His adaptation to La Liga has been hampered by these setbacks, forcing Alonso to experiment with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Tobias in the right-back position.
Madrid Still Backing Their English Stars
Despite current struggles, Real Madrid maintains faith in both players.
Club insiders suggest there’s no rush to bring them back prematurely, emphasizing long-term value over short-term appearances.
Still, with the season entering a decisive phase, fans are eager to see Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold regain full fitness and reassert themselves as key contributors.
As for Bellingham, his priority now is clear — return to peak form and reclaim his starting spot before the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where his inclusion in England’s squad will likely depend on the next few months.
Bottom Line
The absence of Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid’s 2026 calendar is more than a small marketing choice — it’s a subtle indicator of the shifting dynamics within Alonso’s squad.
Whether it’s a temporary dip or a deeper transition, the spotlight on both Englishmen isn’t going anywhere.
