“I didn’t deserve it.” That’s what Jude Bellingham told BBC cameras on June 23, seconds after receiving the MVP trophy for the match between England and Ghana in Boston. He didn’t say it in private, he didn’t hint at it: he said it out loud and pointed out that the award should have gone to one of Ghana’s defenders. 🤯
England drew 0-0 against a compact block led by Carlos Queiroz, and Bellingham — Real Madrid midfielder and the undisputed leader of the Three Lions — delivered a quiet performance. The fans still chose him as man of the match. He, on the other hand, didn’t believe it. At 22 years old and as de facto captain, he already has 50 caps for England, becoming the youngest player to reach that mark, surpassing Wayne Rooney. ⚽
In a football world full of possession and marketing, seeing a star reject his own award and applaud the opponent is not something you see every day, which is why Bellingham’s gesture was the real goal of the match. 👏🔥
Jude Bellingham was chosen as man of the match for England, but he said this when he received it:
“I DIDN’T DESERVE IT TO BE HONEST. It should go to one of the Ghana lads who defended so well”.
What a moment. 👏🏴🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/0Qq4AwiK6Q
— Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_) June 23, 2026