Jude Bellingham receives special World Cup award he 'didn't know' existed ahead of England internationals

Jude Bellingham has received an award he 'didn't know' existed for his contributions at this summer's World Cup.

Bellingham played an integral role for the Three Lions at the World Cup and set a record with seven goals at the major tournament, the most by any England player, after helping Thomas Tuchel's men reach the semi-finals before losing to Argentina.

The Real Madrid superstar finished joint third in the scoring charts, behind only France's Kylian Mbappe (10) and Argentina's Lionel Messi (9) and level with Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

READ NEXT: Kylian Mbappe reveals two reasons he rejected Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool after secret private jet meeting

Jude Bellingham reacts after receiving the World Cup Bronze Boot

The 23-year-old's incredible performances were rewarded with special recognition, as he received the Bronze Boot for finishing third in the top scorer's list, sharing the accolade with Haaland.

After receiving the award, Bellingham posted an image of it on Instagram, but bizarrely admitted that he didn't know it existed. "Bronze boot from the World Cup... Didn't know it was a thing, but thanks anyway". Madrid's No.5 wrote on his Instagram story.

The 'Bronze Boot' was introduced by FIFA at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, alongside the introduction of the top-scorer award - then called the Golden Shoe.

Zico was the recipient of the Bronze Boot at that inaugural 1982 tournament, and since then, some of the world's greatest - including Gary Lineker (1990), Ronaldo (2006), and Neymar (2014) - have won the award.

In fact, Bellingham's total of seven goals is the highest total of anyone to win the third-place prize, which suggests he was unfortunate not to win the Golden Boot.

READ NEXT: Real Madrid issue explosive statement demanding La Liga president step down after ‘referee conspiracy’ claims

Jude Bellingham set for new Real Madrid contract

Bellingham has been selected for Tuchel's latest England squad for their upcoming Nations League clashes against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia after continuing his fine form at club level.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has started the campaign with three goals and as many assists in eight appearances, with Los Blancos winning five of their first seven matches.

Jose Mourinho's men were disappointingly beaten 2-1 last time out by rivals Atletico Madrid and Bellingham was left enraged at the referee after Cristian Romero avoided a red card for his reckless challenge on him.

Mourinho even held up an image of the tackle in his post-match press conference, expressing his anger at the officials' decision-making after Dean Huijsen was sent off for his challenge on Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area.

Nonetheless, after falling six points behind Barcelona in the early stages of the title race, supporters are right to feel negatively about the situation, though the club are working towards sharing some positive news.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real are working on renewing Bellingham's contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, with journalist Matteo Moretto stating that it could happen this year.

Bellingham initially signed a six-year contract when he joined from Dortmund in 2023, but a new deal for the Englishman would extend his stay until at least 2030 or 2031.

That is welcome news for everyone associated with the club and Bellingham, who has scored 49 and assisted 36 in 148 appearances for Los Blancos.