Jude Bellingham sends a meaningful message on Mental Health Day

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham delivers an important message on Mental Health Day, calling on the football world to be more transparent about feelings and to manage mental stress better.

On World Mental Health Day, Real Madrid’s star midfielder Jude Bellingham emotionally reflected on times when he felt vulnerable and heavily pressured by social media. The English talent believes modern football must break the stigma that players always have to be “strong and silently endure.”

Bellingham revealed that during his time at Birmingham City, he often searched his name on social media to read fans’ comments. “With the rise of technology and social media, there are more ways to attack someone and make them feel worse,” he said in an interview with ESPN. “I used to try to maintain a strong image, as if I didn’t need anyone’s help. But the truth is everyone needs someone to talk to. Expressing your feelings actually brings a lot of relief.”

After moving to Borussia Dortmund and then shining at Real Madrid, Bellingham quickly became one of the best players in the world. He won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season in Spain and finished third in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting. However, success has not made him immune to pressure and criticism. “People look at players and think we have all the fame, money, and admiration. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t vulnerable,” Bellingham shared.

The 22-year-old star believes admitting vulnerability is not weakness but an act of bravery. “If people like me can show vulnerability, it will open up necessary conversations for those silently suffering. I think too many still believe players must ‘stay silent and endure,’ but that mindset is outdated,” he emphasized.

After a shoulder surgery last summer, Bellingham has just returned to play and is gradually regaining form under coach Xabi Alonso. With strong spirit both on and off the pitch, he hopes to be a positive role model encouraging everyone to bravely share their feelings to overcome the pressures of modern life together.