Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has candidly spoken about the emotional toll he faced following England’s disappointing loss in the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
Despite his key contributions to the team during the tournament, Bellingham admitted to feeling unfairly treated, describing himself as a “scapegoat” for the team’s failure to secure the trophy.
England reached their second consecutive Euros final in July, but their hopes were dashed by Spain, who triumphed 2-1, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal in the 85th minute handing Luis de la Fuente’s side the win.
Throughout the competition, Bellingham was a standout performer for the Three Lions, scoring two goals, including a dramatic last-minute bicycle-kick equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16. However, despite his on-field brilliance, Bellingham faced severe criticism for his overall performances and attitude during the tournament.
In a recent interview ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash with Liverpool, Bellingham revealed how the backlash from Euro 2024 affected him emotionally. The 21-year-old admitted that the criticism he received after the tournament took a toll on his enjoyment of playing for the national team. Reflecting on the experience, Bellingham explained:
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“I’ve got to be honest, I think I lost my smile a lot after the Euros when it came to playing for England. I felt like I was a little bit mistreated in comparison to what I contributed. I felt like some of it was a bit harsh on me, I think I felt a bit like the scapegoat. Maybe I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself.”
Despite his feelings of being unfairly targeted, Bellingham acknowledged that his time with the England squad in November, which included several new faces, helped him rediscover his joy for the game. He continued:
“I think that camp (England’s November international break) with a lot of new faces really brought out the joy in my game again. I think you can see that in the two games (vs Greece and the Republic of Ireland).”
While his experience with England weighed heavily on him, Bellingham stated that his time at Real Madrid has not been affected by the external pressures. Despite the intense expectations at the Spanish giants, the young midfielder made it clear that his love for the game has remained intact while representing Los Blancos.
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“In general, I hadn’t lost my smile in a [Real] Madrid shirt. I’m annoyed when we lose… but it’s never a case of not being happy. I’m the luckiest lad in the world, I get to play week in, week out for the biggest club in the world and represent my country. It was more to do with how I was treated off the back of the Euros. But yeah, the smile is back!”
Bellingham’s comments highlight the contrast between his experience with the England squad, where he felt misjudged, and his role at Real Madrid, where he has been consistently praised for his performances. Despite the pressure of playing for a club like Madrid, where expectations are always high, Bellingham seems to have found a way to thrive without losing his enthusiasm for the game.
One of the most significant sources of frustration for Bellingham was the media’s portrayal of his behavior during Euro 2024. He was particularly criticized for not engaging with the press, with some suggesting that he was “above” the media responsibilities expected of a player of his stature.
However, Bellingham clarified that this was not the case, explaining that he had opted to stay out of the public eye to spend time with his family and grandparents, who were important to him during a challenging period.
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“There was criticism that I didn’t speak to the media, I didn’t do a press conference and they said I was above all this, and it wasn’t like that: I was with my family during the tournament, with my grandparents too,” Bellingham said.
“They crossed a line of respect and that’s why I take it personally. My mother didn’t want to leave the house after the tournament. It was something very personal for me, that’s why I decided to keep quiet.”
Bellingham’s decision to remain silent was rooted in his desire to protect his personal life and preserve his family’s privacy. For a young player thrust into the international spotlight, balancing the pressures of football with the intrusion of public scrutiny is never easy.
The emotional toll this took on Bellingham was clear, as he expressed how the criticism felt personal, especially when it affected his family.
Despite the difficulties he faced after Euro 2024, Bellingham has emerged stronger and more focused. His performances for Real Madrid this season have been nothing short of exceptional, with the midfielder continuing to demonstrate his immense potential and maturity on the field.
The support of his club and the renewed sense of joy he feels when playing for England suggests that Bellingham has learned to navigate the challenges that come with being in the spotlight.
Bellingham’s journey is a reminder that professional athletes are more than just players—they are individuals who deal with personal struggles and external pressures. While his story of feeling mistreated and misunderstood after the Euros might resonate with many, it also serves as an example of resilience and growth in the face of adversity.
As he continues to evolve both as a player and as a person, Bellingham’s ability to regain his smile and love for the game will undoubtedly serve him well in the years to come.