Jude Bellingham has spoken candidly about the pressures of modern football, admitting that he has long hidden behind what he calls a “macho” image to mask moments of vulnerability.
The England and Real Madrid midfielder said that, like many elite athletes, he has struggled with the stigma surrounding mental health and once turned to social media for both validation and criticism, a habit he has since abandoned.
The 22-year-old, who was left out of the current England squad as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, made the remarks as part of his role as a Laureus ambassador.
Reflecting on the scrutiny that accompanies fame, Bellingham said he once regularly searched his own name online while still a teenager at Birmingham City, but has since learned the emotional toll it can take.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
“With the development of social media and technology, there are more ways to attack someone and make them feel down,” he said.
“I think there’s still a stigma around talking about mental health. I know there have been times where I’ve felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to — and instead I’ve tried to keep up this macho athlete image of, ‘I don’t need anyone.’
“The truth is that I do, everyone does. And you’ll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions.”
Bellingham’s comments come at a time when several leading footballers have spoken openly about the psychological strains of the game.
READ OUR EXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen defends Glazers as Man United owners set staggering price for potential sale
Jude Bellingham has admitted he used to look up his own name while he was strutting his stuff for Birmingham City
|PA
Manchester City’s Phil Foden recently discussed the off-field difficulties that affected his form last season, earning praise from manager Pep Guardiola for his honesty.
Bellingham, who has previously said he felt unfairly criticised following England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, has chosen to stay off social media altogether, preferring to shut out the noise.
He also acknowledged that public perception of athletes can often be misleading.
“As athletes, it seems like we have the world at our feet — we can do whatever we want, earn so much money and never be affected by it,” he said.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Jude Bellingham previously said he felt like a scapegoat after England failed to win the European Championships under Gareth Southgate in 2024
|PA
“But the reality is, if we can show vulnerability, then it opens up a bigger conversation for people who are struggling in the darkness.
“It’s the duty of people like me, in the positions we’re in, to be role models.”
The Real Madrid star said that while he has never experienced a deep mental health crisis himself, he has seen how destructive the environment can be for others.
“I still think athletes are seen as people who should shut up and take it, which is an old-fashioned outlook,” he added.
“That hate can be really tough for athletes, and I can really empathise with those who struggle with their mental health.
“Everyone is allowed their opinion on sport, but there should be limits to the horrible things you can say.”
Bellingham explained that his decision to stop reading online comments has been crucial to maintaining his focus.
“As a young player at Birmingham City, I used to put my name into Twitter and read everything,” he recalled.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jude Bellingham is one of the best players in the world, having flourished for Real Madrid since his arrival two years ago
| GETTY“But even if the comments were positive, I quickly decided: why should I let the opinion of people who don’t know me validate how I think about myself?
“There’s enough negativity and pressure in professional sport that you don’t need to seek it out.”
Despite facing his share of criticism over the past year, Bellingham continues to earn admiration from within the game.
England veteran Jordan Henderson recently described him as a “world-class person” as well as a player, while many have praised his maturity in handling the spotlight.