Bellingham Finally Gets World Cup Bronze Boot and Admits: ‘Didn't Know It Was a Thing’

Jude Bellingham has finally received his World Cup Bronze Boot, though the Real Madrid star admitted he had no idea the award even existed.

Bellingham scored seven goals in eight appearances at the tournament, setting a new record for an England player at a single World Cup. He scored twice against both Mexico and Norway, and added another in the third place playoff win over France. His tally left him joint third in the tournament's scoring charts, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, and he claimed the Bronze Boot outright ahead of Erling Haaland thanks to registering one assist compared to the Norwegian's none.

Sharing a photo of the trophy on his JB5 app, Bellingham made clear he had no idea it was even a thing.

"Bronze boot from the World Cup... Didn't know it was a thing but thanks anyway," he wrote alongside the picture.

The Bronze Boot has been handed out since the 1982 World Cup in Spain, with past winners including Zico, Gary Lineker, Ronaldo and Neymar. Bellingham's seven goal haul is actually the highest ever recorded by a third place finisher in the award's history.

The tournament was Bellingham's fourth major international competition, and his performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament. His goal return in North America more than doubled his overall tally for England, which now stands at 13 goals in 56 caps.

He played a key role in helping Thomas Tuchel's side reach the semi finals, where they were beaten by Argentina before securing third place against France. Bellingham has carried that form into the new club season too, contributing three goals and three assists in his first seven La Liga appearances for Real Madrid.

He'll be looking to add to his international numbers when England return to Nations League action this weekend, hosting world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday in their first game since the World Cup playoff back in mid July.