I can be next James Bond — England star reveals Hollywood ambitions

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed his surprise ambition to pursue an acting career and play the iconic role of James Bond once his footballing days are over.

Speaking to James Corden on the World Cup After Hours television show, the 23-year-old was asked about his aspirations outside of professional sport. 

"I’d love to be in a movie," Bellingham admitted, per Goal. "People always ask me, ‘What’s the thing I’d want to do out of football?’ - and I never really give it that much thought, but when I have I always come to ‘I’d love to be in a film’."The Real Madrid star singled out the legendary British spy franchise. 

"I’d love to be James Bond. I’ve watched all of them," Bellingham said. "I’ve watched the Connery ones, Roger Moore; I’ve seen all of them. I love James Bond." 

Bellingham's comments come during a stellar individual run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He scored in England's 4-2 opening victory over Croatia and earned consecutive man-of-the-match awards in a 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win against Panama. 

These performances helped England top Group L, setting up a crucial Round of 32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday. 

With his suave public persona and dashing good looks, Bellingham certainly fits the traditional aesthetic profile of the famous secret agent. 

He even playfully tested his acting skills during the interview, delivering the famous line, "The name’s Bond, James Bond," before joking, "I think I’ve got a shot!"

Despite Bellingham's enthusiasm, a major movie role remains in the distant future as he continues to build his footballing legacy. 

"I swear, I’d love to be in the back of a James Bond film," he added. "(Maybe) James Bond himself, but you’ve got to crawl before you can walk. They haven’t found a new Bond yet, have they?" 

The franchise's producers are currently engaged in a search to cast the next iteration of the character. The role has remained vacant since Daniel Craig concluded his acclaimed five-film tenure following the release of No Time to Die in 2021.