Jude Bellingham Shares Ambitions To Win CWC
Jude Bellingham isn’t just heading to the FIFA Club World Cup to make up the numbers. For the 21-year-old Real Madrid star, the tournament in the United States is a fresh challenge. One he’s ready to take on with the same intensity he brings to every big night in white.
Madrid has won it all—Champions League, La Liga, and Super Cups. But this summer presents something different. For the first time, the Club World Cup is expanding, and Bellingham knows what’s at stake. History.
A Hunger For Something New
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Bellingham couldn’t hide his excitement. “It’s a new competition,” he said. “And we want to be the first ones to win it.” It is a striking mindset from someone barely in his mid-20s, but he already carries himself like a seasoned veteran. Finding something new to conquer isn’t easy in a club where the trophy cabinet is bursting, but this is one of those rare chances.
“There aren’t many things you can do at this club that haven’t already been done,” he told Spanish media. “So it’s a nice opportunity to go out and win something different. We’ll try to be the first to lift it.” Madrid’s expectations are always sky-high, and Bellingham gets that. But what stands out is how seriously he’s taking the Club World Cup. To him, this isn’t a glorified friendly. “Any trophy is important,” he insisted. “And the other 31 teams are there for a reason; they’ve earned it. So we’re not taking this lightly.”
A Moment To Experience It All
Bellingham also talked about the setting and how playing in the U.S. adds a unique layer to this experience. It’s not just another away trip or summer tour; it’s a chance to connect with a different kind of football crowd. “We had our pre-season in the U.S., and every year we get flooded with more fans,” he said. “It’s always such a beautiful thing.”
He spoke about the excitement of being in a new environment, experiencing a different culture, and playing in front of a growing American fan base. “It’s somewhere I haven’t played regularly, and there’s a different atmosphere. There’s so much positive energy when we play there,” he added. That blend of on-pitch ambition and off-pitch appreciation shines through in how he talks. Yes, Madrid is flying out to win it, but they’re also aware that this is a special moment to enjoy, soak it up, and use as motivation.
Eyes On the Prize and the Group Ahead
Real Madrid’s campaign will kick off against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami. Then it faces Mexico’s Pachuca and Austria’s RB Salzburg in the group stage. None of those games will be easy, especially with the competition from champions from every continent. If there’s one thing Madrid are used to, it’s pressure. And despite a demanding season, one that’s seen them come up trophyless as well, the hunger is still there to finish on a high.
Bellingham acknowledged how long the campaign has been, but there’s no sign of him or his teammates letting up. “We’ll try and factor in that we’ve had a long season,” he said. “We’ll enjoy our downtime, take in the culture, but the most important thing is the football, and we’ll try to win.”
Madrid’s mindset is clear. Go big or go home. After falling short in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, this tournament offers one final shot at glory before the new season begins. It can be pivotal for the club and Xabi Alonso to see how things will unfold for the season. For Bellingham and the rest of the squad, it’s the perfect chance to make one last statement before turning the page.
Final Thoughts
Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, Bellingham has already experienced more than most footballers do in a lifetime—a La Liga title, a Champions League medal, and a reputation that continues to soar. But what’s perhaps most telling is his relentless drive to keep pushing. The Club World Cup might not carry the same historical weight as a European final yet, but for Bellingham, it’s another chance to leave his mark. Another trophy to bring home. Another memory in the making.
