Jude Bellingham has reignited controversy in Spain after repeating the same gesture that previously landed him in trouble with Uefa during Euro 2024.
The England midfielder was caught on camera making a crotch gesture during Real Madrid’s fiery 2–1 win over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico — the very action that earned him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban just a year earlier.
The 22-year-old played a starring role in Madrid’s victory at the Bernabéu, setting up Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal before scoring the decisive winner himself.
But the post-goal celebration once again overshadowed his brilliance.
Cameras captured Bellingham facing the crowd, gesturing towards his crotch and sticking out his tongue — a move almost identical to the one he made after scoring for England against Slovakia at the Euros.
That previous incident drew a swift rebuke from Uefa, who deemed the gesture inappropriate conduct.
Bellingham insisted at the time it was harmless fun, writing on social media: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.
Jude Bellingham seemed to make a rude gesture after England's win over Slovakia at Euro 2024 | X/343DIGITAL“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Despite the explanation, he was fined and given a suspended ban, which has since expired.
Now, Spanish football authorities could decide whether to take action under LaLiga’s code of conduct.
Jude Bellingham will be hoping to fire Real Madrid to silverware this season
|GETTY
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Jude Bellingham scored the winner as Real Madrid beat Barcelona on Sunday
|GETTY
Bellingham’s latest antics come amid a highly charged atmosphere in Spain’s biggest fixture, one that saw tempers flare both on and off the pitch.
The closing stages of the match descended into chaos when Barcelona midfielder Pedri was shown a red card for a reckless challenge, sparking arguments between players from both sides.
After the final whistle, Real Madrid stars clashed with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who had accused Los Blancos of “robbing” teams and “complaining” after games.
Vinícius Júnior and Dani Carvajal taunted the youngster with talking gestures, and Bellingham appeared to join in, later posting on Instagram: “Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID SIEMPRE!!!”
It was a night that summed up Bellingham’s growing reputation as both a talismanic match-winner and an unapologetic provocateur.
His assist and goal reaffirmed his importance to Xabi Alonso's side, with Madrid extending their lead at the top of LaLiga thanks to his performance.
Jude Bellingham was buzzing after Real Madrid's El Clasico triumph over Barcelona
|REUTERS
Yet the controversy surrounding his celebration ensured that the headlines were once again about more than just football.
Bellingham’s latest flashpoint also comes at an uncertain moment for his international future.
The midfielder was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad despite declaring himself fit to play, a decision that surprised many given his form for Real Madrid.
He is still expected to play a central role in England’s World Cup qualifying campaign later this year, and few doubt that he will be among the first names on the team sheet for the 2026 tournament.
Whether LaLiga’s disciplinary committee chooses to act on Sunday’s incident remains unclear, but the Englishman’s celebration has already sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Real are next in action against Valencia in LaLiga on Saturday (8pm).