The Real Madrid man has been heavily criticised for appearing to sulk after being substituted against Albania
Former England forward Ian Wright has suggested that some sections of the public are “not ready for a black superstar”, pointing to the way Jude Bellingham has been treated by the media in recent weeks.
The Real Madrid midfielder has been under scrutiny after reacting angrily to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania.
His response drew attention again, especially as Thomas Tuchel – who earlier this year apologised to Bellingham for calling his behaviour “repulsive” – said he would look into the incident.
Bellingham’s importance to England seemed unquestionable after his standout displays at Euro 2024, yet under Tuchel he no longer has a guaranteed place.
For Wright, the tone and volume of criticism aimed at the 22-year-old is not solely about football. He believes perceptions are shaped by race, arguing that Bellingham’s personality and confidence unsettle some observers.
“I’m worried for Jude simply because he’s somebody that they [the media] can’t control,” Wright said on The Overlap YouTube channel.
“He’s showing people that I’m here, I’m black, I’m proud, I’m ready to go.”
Since leaving Birmingham City at 17, Bellingham’s rise has been rapid. A big-money move to Borussia Dortmund was followed by his transfer to Real Madrid in a deal that could reach £115m.
He immediately delivered, helping Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season, scoring 23 goals and laying on 13 assists.
He also produced one of the defining moments of Euro 2024 with his extraordinary 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the last 16.
On the same show, Gary Neville referenced Raheem Sterling’s belief that he was unfairly targeted by certain media outlets during Euro 2016.
Sterling later highlighted double standards in how black players were portrayed in print coverage, suggesting it fuelled harmful stereotypes.
Asked whether he sees parallels, Wright said: “I don’t think they’re ready for a black superstar, who can move like Jude is moving. They can’t touch him. He goes out there, he performs, he does what he does.
“It’s too uppity for these people. I’ll put it in football terms. They all love N’Golo Kante. He’s a humble black man, gets on with what he’s doing.
“But if you get a [Paul] Pogba, or a Bellingham, and you get that kind of energy, that does not sit well with people. So someone like Jude, for some reason, frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give.”
Bellingham was left out of England’s October squad for matches against Wales and Latvia, only returning this month for the qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
He came off the bench just after the hour mark against Serbia and was substituted late on against Albania.
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