Jude Bellingham recently reflected on the challenging aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, describing how the experience left him feeling scapegoated and overwhelmed. The Real Madrid midfielder admitted that the personal criticism and media intrusion following England’s loss to Spain impacted his joy for playing with the national team. Despite his crucial contributions during the tournament, Bellingham felt unfairly targeted in the press.
Bellingham shared how the intense scrutiny after the tournament made him retreat from media engagements. While he performed well on the pitch scoring decisive goals against Serbia and Slovakia he said he struggled to find happiness in wearing the England shirt. The young midfielder expressed that the criticism affected him deeply, particularly in the days following the final. “I lost my smile a lot after the Euros. It felt like some of the criticism was harsh, and I became a bit of a scapegoat,” he said.
The situation was exacerbated by media actions that he felt crossed personal boundaries. Journalists reportedly approached members of his family, including his grandparents, which left his grandmother uncomfortable and reluctant to leave her home. This intrusion prompted Bellingham to focus solely on his football, avoiding unnecessary distractions. Reflecting on his limited media appearances during the tournament, he said, “I think one of the big criticisms of me was that I didn’t do press conferences. That wasn’t arrogance. I had personal things going on. My family comes first.”
Bellingham credited a recent international camp with rekindling his passion for the game. With a mix of new teammates and leadership, he felt the joy of representing his country again, as demonstrated in England’s recent Nations League matches. The midfielder added that his happiness at Real Madrid had never wavered, even during frustrating moments, emphasizing his gratitude for playing at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Discussing his journey to Madrid, Bellingham addressed speculation about a potential move to Liverpool before joining Real. While respectful of the clubs he spoke to, he acknowledged the unique allure of Real Madrid. “When Real Madrid come knocking, it shakes the whole house. They’re on a different level,” he explained.
As Real Madrid prepares for a crucial Champions League clash at Anfield, Bellingham remains focused on the game, despite the challenges of an indifferent group stage campaign. He will be facing Liverpool for the first time at their iconic stadium, a club he could have joined had circumstances been different. He maintained respect for his opponents, avoiding speculation about his friend Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially joining him in Madrid. Instead, he kept the focus on the upcoming match, hoping for a strong performance from his team while wishing Alexander-Arnold the best just not during the game.
Bellingham’s story reflects the pressures of life at the top of football, highlighting the balance between personal life, media scrutiny, and the demands of playing for club and country. Despite these challenges, his passion for the game and ability to overcome adversity remain evident, as he continues to shine on the biggest stages.
