Football

Brits abroad: Abraham falters, Vardy reignites and Bellingham shines brightest

British footballers continue to leave their mark across Europe, with performances ranging from redemptive to regretful. From Tammy Abraham’s costly penalty miss in Turkey to Jude Bellingham’s commanding display in El Clásico, this week provided drama, redemption and heartbreak in equal measure. Here’s how Britain’s best fared on foreign soil.

Tammy Abraham – A Painful Miss in Istanbul

Tammy Abraham
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Tammy Abraham’s turbulent spell at Besiktas took another disappointing turn as he missed a crucial penalty in their 1-1 draw against Kasimpasa. The England forward, currently on loan from Roma, had the chance to seal the game but saw his weak effort saved with ease. His frustration was visible as he acknowledged angry travelling fans after the final whistle, holding his hand up in apology. With only four goals in ten league appearances, Abraham’s confidence seems to be waning at a worrying pace. If things don’t improve soon, this stint in Turkey could mark a major setback in what once looked a promising career revival.

Jamie Vardy – The Veteran Strikes Again

Jamie Vardy
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Jamie Vardy finally found his feet in Serie A, scoring his first goal for Cremonese in a spirited 1-1 draw with Atalanta. The 38-year-old rolled back the years with a classic poacher’s finish, smashing home a rebound before celebrating with a trademark cartwheel and backflip. Despite the team’s inability to hold on for the win, Vardy’s energy and sharpness gave the fans something to cheer about after a string of poor results. His passion and commitment remain undimmed, proving that age is merely a number for one of English football’s most enduring figures. If Cremonese can build around his experience, they might just avoid the drop.

Mason Greenwood – Marseille’s Spark but Not Enough

mason greenwood
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Mason Greenwood continues to show flashes of brilliance for Marseille, but defensive frailties once again cost his side dearly in a 2-1 loss to Lens. The forward opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box, taking his season tally to eight goals. However, errors at the back turned a promising start into yet another setback for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. The Marseille boss praised his attackers but lamented the team’s inability to manage games effectively. Greenwood’s form is one of the few positives, but unless the defence tightens up, Marseille’s title challenge will fade fast.

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Harry Kane – Streak Over, but Bayern Still Flying

Harry Kane
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Harry Kane’s incredible scoring run came to an end, but Bayern Munich didn’t miss a beat as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. The England captain had a quiet afternoon and saw one effort ruled out for offside, ending his run of goals in eleven consecutive matches. Despite that, Bayern’s strength as a unit under Vincent Kompany was evident, with Joshua Kimmich, Raphael Guerreiro and teenage prodigy Lennart Karl all on the scoresheet. Kane remains the focal point of Bayern’s attack, but it’s clear the team is no longer entirely dependent on his goals. The drought may be temporary, but the dominance of Kompany’s side looks here to stay.

Scott McTominay – The King of Naples

Scott McTominay
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Scott McTominay continued his remarkable run of form with another crucial goal as Napoli beat Inter 3-1 to reclaim top spot in Serie A. The Scottish midfielder thundered home a stunning volley after misjudging the flight of the ball, showing both grit and instinct in equal measure. Having scored twice in the Champions League midweek, McTominay is emerging as a talisman under Antonio Conte. His tireless energy and newfound attacking edge have made him indispensable in a team chasing glory on multiple fronts. When McTominay is firing, Napoli look capable of beating anyone in Europe.

Jude Bellingham – Master of El Clásico

Jude Bellingham
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Jude Bellingham once again proved why he’s one of the brightest stars in world football, delivering a masterclass in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona. The 22-year-old scored and assisted, dictating play with poise and power as Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga. After his Champions League heroics against Juventus earlier in the week, Bellingham has firmly silenced any doubts about his fitness following shoulder surgery. His understanding with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr continues to blossom, making Los Blancos look unstoppable. England manager Gareth Southgate will have no choice but to recall him for the next international break.

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Oliver Obel

Oliver Obel – Sports Content Creator & Football Specialist I’m a passionate Sports Content Creator with a strong focus on football. I write for LenteDesportiva, where I produce high-quality content that informs, entertains, and connects with football fans around the world. My work revolves around player rankings, transfer analysis, and in-depth features that explore the modern game. I combine a sharp editorial instinct with a deep understanding of football’s evolution, always aiming to deliver content that captures both insight and emotion.