Real Madrid superstar’s remarkable physical transformation as Alonso’s staff changes training plans | OneFootball

After being out for two months, Jude Bellingham finally made his return for Real Madrid, coming on as a late substitute during the win over RCD Espanyol on Saturday evening.

The England international had been out since July, when he underwent shoulder surgery after the team’s semi-final elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup.

Even though Bellingham’s return was pencilled in for October, the 22-year-old worked extremely hard on his recovery and came back much earlier than anticipated.

Physical transformation heading into the new season

As Bellingham stepped onto the field on Saturday, one of the most noticeable differences compared with last season was his physique, a result of a change in his training plans by Xabi Alonso and his staff, reports AS.

During his first two years at Real Madrid he gained muscle mass, but now he appears slimmer, resembling the shape he had in the summer of 2023 when he signed under Carlo Ancelotti.

Bellingham had bulked up during last season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That additional muscle was also aimed at strengthening the shoulder and reducing the risk of another dislocation. Antonio Pintus’s training plan had helped him bulk up.

However, under the new coaching staff, following surgery, that programme has been altered. It was decided that for Bellingham’s game it would be better to lose muscle mass and appear “leander”. This weight loss should allow him to move faster and with greater agility.

Alonso demands defensive sacrifice from his players to recover possession high up the pitch. This requires attackers to press much more aggressively, as has already been seen in the opening six matches of the campaign.

Bellingham’s leaner build should provide more endurance for such work.

At Real Madrid, the hope is that following the operation he can rediscover the level he showed in his debut season, when he recorded 23 goals and 13 assists.