Former La Liga winner with Real Madrid explains how Bellingham is still exceptional amid troubling form | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman recently shared his assessment of Jude Bellingham’s form, highlighting how the midfielder’s brilliance can sometimes go unnoticed outside Spain. 

Speaking from the perspective of someone who closely follows Spanish football, McManaman made it clear that Bellingham’s level has not dropped, even if the team around him has struggled.

Beginning with the reflection of how La Liga is perceived abroad, McManaman said,

“I think what happens is that in England, we don’t watch La Liga a lot,” he told TNT Sport (h/t Madrid Xtra).

“I see La Liga a lot, and in a Real Madrid team that is struggling, Jude Bellingham is still exceptional.”

Praise for Bellingham

McManaman then focused on the midfielder’s individual quality, explaining how rare his skill set truly is at such a young age.

“I mean, he’s young and is an exceptional footballer. His ability on the ball and what you see when he’s at close quarters, when he’s on the ball and what he can do… not many people can do that.”

He went a step further, explaining why Bellingham stands out even among elite professionals.

Steve McManaman has praised Jude Bellingham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“With all respect, if you’re a next footballer and you watch what he can do and see him, it’s just really, really nice to do and not many people can do that.”

To conclude his praise, the former winger summed up the intangible quality that separates Bellingham from others at the top level.

“So you know there’s something about him that makes him stand out from other people.”

Sensitive time at Real Madrid

His comments arrive at a sensitive moment for Real Madrid. A disappointing run of performances recently culminated in an uncomfortable scene at the Bernabeu, where players were booed despite securing a 2–0 win over Sevilla. 

As 2026 begins, Real Madrid have returned to training with renewed determination, fully aware that the second half of the season must deliver silverware. 

Amid that pressure, Bellingham remains one of the team’s biggest pillars. At just 22 years old, he already understands what success at Madrid looks like. 

This is because in his debut season, he played a key role in lifting both domestic and European titles. 

He also contributed to further honours, helping the club secure the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to close out 2024.