Young midfielder Jude Bellingham has made headlines by surpassing the combined LaLiga scoring achievements of David Beckham and Michael Owen. In Real Madrid's recent 3-2 victory over Leganes, the English star scored his 12th goal of the season. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Bellingham has achieved an impressive 27 goals in just 51 league appearances. This milestone outshines the cumulative tally of Beckham and Owen, who managed only 26 goals between them across 152 matches. The article explores Bellingham's rise in Spain, comparing it with his predecessors' careers and highlighting his impact on Madrid's title aspirations.
In a thrilling encounter at Butarque Stadium, Bellingham played a pivotal role in securing three crucial points for Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Trailing 1-2 early in the second half, he equalized shortly after halftime with a precise close-range finish. His contribution underscores why the former Birmingham City prodigy is rapidly becoming one of Europe's most sought-after talents. While Beckham and Owen each enjoyed their own successes during their stints at Madrid—Beckham winning the league in 2007 and Owen making a single-season impact before returning to Newcastle—it seems clear that Bellingham is carving out a legacy far quicker than either could have imagined.
Bellingham’s efficiency in front of goal contrasts sharply with his compatriots’ efforts. Beckham, known primarily as a provider rather than a scorer, tallied seven goals during his four-year tenure at Madrid. Meanwhile, Owen struggled to adapt fully to life in Spain, managing 19 goals over three years despite being heralded as one of England’s finest strikers. By comparison, Bellingham has not only matched but exceeded these figures within less than two seasons, showcasing both his versatility and finishing ability.
Real Madrid's performance against Leganes also highlighted the importance of teamwork. Although Madrid initially took the lead through Kylian Mbappe’s penalty, Diego Garcia leveled the scoreline quickly. Following Dani Raba’s goal for Leganes just before halftime, Bellingham stepped up once again to restore parity. Later, Mbappe sealed the win with another decisive strike, demonstrating how critical both players are to Madrid's attacking arsenal. With this result, Madrid remains firmly in contention for the LaLiga crown alongside Barcelona, though they must maintain focus ahead of Champions League commitments versus Arsenal next month.
As Madrid looks forward to challenging Arsenal in the prestigious Champions League, there is renewed optimism surrounding their squad dynamics. Despite never having bested Arsenal in official competition, including a notable elimination in the 2005/06 European Cup, Los Blancos now boast a generation-defining talent in Bellingham. His burgeoning partnership with Mbappe offers hope that history may soon be rewritten. For now, however, attention turns back to domestic duties where consistent performances will determine whether Madrid can reclaim its throne atop Spanish football.