Bellingham opens up on World Mental Health Day
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has spoken candidly about the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes in recognition of World Mental Health Day. The 22-year-old, who signed with Real Madrid in 2023 and quickly established himself as a key midfield presence, emphasized the importance of vulnerability and open conversations around mental wellbeing in elite sports.
In an interview as a Laureus Ambassador, Bellingham reflected on his experience growing up at Birmingham City, where he would often search his own name on social media, exposing himself to criticism. He underlined how the rise of social media and technology has increased the avenues for negative attacks, contributing to a persistent stigma around mental health discussions among athletes.
“With the development of social media and technology, there’s more ways to attack someone, to make them feel down—and I think there’s still a stigma around talking about mental health,” Bellingham said. “I know there’s been times where I’ve felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to—and, instead, I’ve tried to keep up this macho athlete image of, ‘I don’t need anyone.’ The truth is that I do, everyone does. And you’ll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions.”
Bellingham highlighted the unrealistic expectations often placed on athletes, who are perceived as invincible due to their financial rewards and public profiles. He called for a shift in mindset, emphasizing that showing vulnerability can foster wider acceptance and open dialogue for those struggling in silence.
“It seems like we have the world at our feet or hands—we can do whatever we want, earn so much money and never be affected by it. But the reality is, if we can show vulnerability, then it opens up a bigger conversation for people who are struggling in the darkness,” he added. “Athletes are still seen as people who should shut up and take it, which is an old-fashioned outlook… That hate can be really tough for athletes—and I can really empathize with those who struggle with their mental health.”
He expressed sympathy for those facing deeper mental health challenges and stressed that constructive limits should exist regarding criticism in sports.
“I’ve never been in a deep hole mentally, but I’ve been around people who have, and it’s sad to see,” Bellingham noted.
The midfielder also shared insight into maintaining his own mental resilience, noting the importance of managing expectations and self-confidence. “I always try to keep my confidence high, whether it’s through self-reassurance, or accepting the fact that I won’t complete every pass, I won’t beat every player or score and win every game,” he said. “The more comfortable you are with that then the more comfortable you are with knowing you’re not perfect.”
Bellingham’s openness on mental health adds to a growing movement among elite athletes to destigmatize psychological wellbeing in sports. As one of the highest-profile young talents globally and an integral figure in Real Madrid’s tactical setup, his perspective not only reflects personal growth but also highlights the evolving role of athletes as advocates for mental health awareness.