Bellingham's Celebration Sparks Real Madrid Debate
Jude Bellingham's return to the scoresheet in Real Madrid's emphatic 6-1 Champions League victory over Monaco at the Santiago Bernabeu has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding his goal celebration. The England international, who netted the sixth goal of the night, celebrated with a drinking gesture that has reportedly drawn criticism from within the club.
Courtois' Alleged Displeasure
According to reports from Spanish newspaper El Nacional, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois viewed Bellingham's celebration as an unnecessary provocation. This comes at a sensitive time for the midfielder, who has been the subject of recent allegations regarding his personal life. However, the situation appears complex, as Courtois did 'like' Bellingham's subsequent Instagram post about the celebration, casting doubt on the severity of any rift.
Bellingham's Firm Response
The 22-year-old midfielder addressed the situation directly after the match, hitting back at what he perceives as unfounded criticism. "A lot of people like to say a lot of things; it feels like anyone can get in front of a camera now and everyone believes it with absolutely no evidence," Bellingham stated. He emphasised his perspective, saying, "I know the truth, and it's nice to have a bit of a joke."
Bellingham outlined two possible reactions to such scrutiny: "You can cry about it and moan, or you can enjoy it. I gave a joke back to the fans." He also acknowledged the rights of supporters, noting, "I've always said that fans work all week, they pay their money and save up to come to Real Madrid games and support us, so they can say what they want." However, he added that from experience, such criticism is "not the nicest thing in the world" for team morale.
Overwhelming Teammate Support
Despite Courtois' reported concerns, Bellingham received clear public backing from the majority of his Real Madrid colleagues. After the match, he posted a picture of his celebration on Instagram with the caption "Cheers," accompanied by a beer emoji. The post prompted an outpouring of support:
- Vini Junior commented: "How we love you."
- Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia both responded with fire and laughing emojis.
- Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Antonio Rudiger all 'liked' the post.
Broader Context of Fan Criticism
This incident occurs against a backdrop of recent fan dissatisfaction at the Bernabeu. During Saturday's 2-0 La Liga win over Levante, Madrid players were booed by sections of their own support, with Bellingham receiving particular criticism. Teammate Kylian Mbappe publicly defended the English star, stating: "No one doubts Jude Bellingham's quality. He has so much potential. When he's fit, he's one of the best in the world."
Mbappe addressed the fan reaction, saying, "It's tough, for everyone. We can accept that the fans aren't happy. But they should boo everyone, it's not about Jude's foul or one player in particular. It's our job to change the situation. If the fans see that we're putting in the effort, that we're playing well, they'll be back with us."
The celebration controversy highlights the intense scrutiny facing elite footballers, where on-field actions are frequently analysed in the context of off-field narratives. While Courtois may have reservations about the gesture's appropriateness, the visible support from multiple key teammates suggests Bellingham retains strong dressing room backing as Real Madrid continues their Champions League campaign.
