Jude Bellingham: Enough is enough; I know what I give to football

The verdict delivered by the Santiago Bernabéu during last weekend’s Real Madrid–Levante game did not fall evenly on all players.

Everyone was judged, but some more harshly than others. Vinicius, without question, was the most targeted. But he was not alone. There was also Huijsen, whose form had nosedived in recent weeks. And then there was Jude Bellingham, who continues to battle the image he projected in his first season in white and who now found himself at the center of a debate he was deeply uncomfortable with. Until he scored against Monaco – and that’s when he’d had enough.

It was a fine goal: a run between the defensive lines, a cut outward to get around the goalkeeper, and a finish into an empty net. And it capped a strong performance. He was the Real Madrid player with the most shots (five, the same as Vinicius), created three scoring chances, completed more passes than anyone else (49) and successfully beat his man twice. After scoring, he chose to send a message. Without anger, smiling, he repeatedly mimed drinking several cups down his throat. Again and again, making sure no one missed the photo.

It was his response to a rumor that has gained too much traction in recent months – never published by any outlet, but often repeated on social media. The claim centers on an alleged wild nightlife and lack of discipline by the England international, supposedly incompatible with the demands placed on an elite athlete.

“I know what I give to football”

Bellingham opted for humor in his reply, but the celebration clearly carried traces of anger over what he considers an unfair accusation. Speaking to reporters afterward, he expanded on the issue. “A lot of people say a lot of things. Anyone can stand in front of a camera and say whatever they want, and people believe it. You can cry about it, you can call your lawyer, or you can enjoy it. The celebration was a joke for the fans. I know what goes on in my life, what I give to football. The outside noise doesn’t matter to me. It was just a joke.”

A joke that nonetheless reflects a situation the Englishman has not taken lightly. Nor has the dressing room, which has closed ranks firmly around Jude. Mastantuono, who spoke in the mixed zone on Tuesday, summed up the mood inside the squad: “The things people say are strong. He’s someone who’s at Valdebebas from 9:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. It’s ugly when they go after your ego. I’m his friend, and he gives everything for Real Madrid. A lot of it is unfair.”

The Argentine may have felt especially compelled to speak out, given his close relationship with Bellingham. Arbeloa, meanwhile, played it down with humor: “I have no idea. They add a lot of magic to celebrations. As long as they score goals, they can celebrate however they want.”