Jude Bellingham Responds to Off-Field Speculation with Humorous Celebration

MADRID — Jude Bellingham referred to his drinking gesture during his goal celebration as “a bit of a joke” aimed at addressing the speculation surrounding his off-field behavior after scoring in Real Madrid’s 6-1 triumph over Monaco on Tuesday.

The England midfielder netted Madrid’s sixth goal in the Champions League match at the Bernabéu, where he had previously faced whistles from fans due to the team’s recent struggles. In a light-hearted manner, Bellingham celebrated by lifting his hands to his mouth repeatedly and later clarified that the gesture was a response to inaccurate reports about his private life.

“A lot of people say a lot of things,” Bellingham remarked to TNT Sports. “You can choose to be upset about it, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it. It was a bit of a joke back to the fans and those who say whatever they want.

“I know the truth; I understand what happens in my personal life and what I contribute to the game and the team. The external noise doesn’t truly matter, but it’s nice to have a bit of fun with it.”

Last week, Bellingham dismissed media assertions, including those from ESPN, suggesting he was among players who had questioned Xabi Alonso’s methods before the coach was dismissed in favor of Álvaro Arbeloa. “Do not believe everything you read,” he stated on his ‘JB5’ app.

During Madrid’s recent 2-0 LaLiga victory over Levante, Bellingham was one of the players who experienced backlash from the Bernabéu crowd. “The fans invest their time and money to support us; they have the right to express their opinions,” he said on Tuesday. “While it may not always be beneficial for the team or individuals, I understand it’s part of the experience.”

Coach Arbeloa commended Bellingham’s work ethic following the win against Monaco, which positioned Madrid with 15 points from seven Champions League matches. “Today I witnessed the Bernabéu supporting Vinícius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, Jude, and all of them,” Arbeloa noted. “Their effort was significant. Bellingham’s running was exceptional, and that commitment is what we need. It was a fantastic evening for everyone.”