Courtois names Bellingham England's best at 2026 World Cup
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has declared Jude Bellingham England's standout performer at the 2026 World Cup this summer. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Belgium's Nations League clash with Turkey on Thursday, Courtois described Bellingham's tournament as "amazing" — the midfielder scored seven goals and provided one assist. "He's carried that level over to Madrid, and he's so important to us," Courtois added about his club teammate.
The praise from a World Cup-winning goalkeeper carries weight. Bellingham, 23, has elevated his game since joining Real Madrid from Dortmund in 2023, becoming the team's creative hub. For Nigerian fans following European football, it's confirmation that the Englishman has joined the elite tier — not just potential, but production on the biggest stage.
The World Cup performance (seven goals for a midfielder is striker territory) suggests Bellingham has added clinical finishing to his all-round game. Whether that translates to sustained Ballon d'Or contention or was a tournament peak remains the question.
Is Bellingham now the best midfielder in world football, or does Rodri's consistency still edge it?