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Jude Bellingham named the sexiest World Cup player
2 min read
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Jude Bellingham is only 23 years old, yet has already accomplished so much in his career, including a league and Champions League victory with Real Madrid.
He hasn't won the coveted Ballon d'Or yet, but he's earned another individual prize recently, as People Magazine named him the sexiest player to have participated in the 2026 World Cup.
People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive list is an annual feature in which the publication selects a male celebrity it considers the sexiest of the year. The title is an editorial choice rather than a public vote, and winners are usually actors, musicians, television personalities or other well-known public figures. The tradition began in 1985, when actor Mel Gibson became the first winner.
Over the years, the title has gone to famous names including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, David Beckham, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba and Chris Evans. Some celebrities have won more than once, including Pitt, Clooney and Johnny Depp.
The most recent winner was Jonathan Bailey, the Bridgerton and Wicked actor, who received the title in 2025. He became the first openly LGBTQ+ man to be named Sexiest Man Alive.
The full Sexiest Man Alive list will not be published until November but People have released a list of names who top certain categories. In Bellingham's case, he was deemed the sexiest player at the World Cup.
The magazine writes:
"The World Cup had people riveted to their screens for the gameplay, the global camaraderie, and, sure, the chance to see some extremely handsome soccer players — like your pick, England’s Jude Bellingham — shirtless. (He scored the win over Erling Haaland, Ferran Torres and Christian Pulisic)"
Bellingham has developed a strong interest in fashion alongside his football career. In August of 2024, he became a “Friend of the House” for Louis Vuitton, working with the fashion house led by menswear creative director Pharrell Williams. The partnership has helped raise his profile in the fashion industry, with the player appearing in campaigns and wearing designer clothing at public events.
On the pitch, he had an outstanding World Cup with England, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in eight appearances as the Three Lions finished third, their best World Cup result on foreign soil.
Bellingham's tally of seven goals is the highest by an Englishman in a single tournament.
Unfortunately for the Real Madrid star and England, they were eliminated in dramatic fashion by Argentina in the semi-final.
