The honeymoon period in Madrid looks well and truly over for Jude Bellingham after his outburst on the weekend. The England international played 90 minutes as Real won 2-1 at Celta Vigo, but again failed to find the net as his barren start to the season continued.
And his frustration was underlined as he vented his anger at team-mate Vinicius Jnr, with Bellingham lambasting the Brazilian for shooting at goal in the second half despite the 21-year-old being unmarked at the back post.
At this stage last year, the midfielder had 10 club goals to his name, and eventually finished with 23 as he proved instrumental in Real’s La Liga and Champions League successes.
However, he’s yet to score in nine appearances in the 2024/25 campaign and has notched just three assists. And having been lauded by the media during his debut season, the former Borussia Dortmund man is suddenly facing intense criticism.
Spanish outlet Marca has now mocked his trademark goal celebration for club and country, where Bellingham stands and raises his arms to the crowd. “The image of the Madrid number 5 celebrating goals by opening his arms became a common sight,” they wrote.
“The Bernabeu turned it into a ritual. Now he has ‘crossed his arms’ and has not opened them again since May 14, the date of his last goal with Real Madrid. He is berating himself about the goals and cannot settle that score he has.”
Bellingham’s desperation was also evident in the Champions League tie with Stuttgart last month, where he picked up the ball with the apparent intent of taking a penalty. That’s despite new signing Kylian Mbappe seemingly being given the responsibility from the spot, although no dispute materialised given the penalty decision was duly overturned by VAR.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended the star’s form, arguing his role in the team has altered this season following the arrival of Mbappe. And he refuted suggestions there were issues between Bellingham and Vinicius despite their fall-out on the field.
“I haven’t seen him, but if he got angry it’s because he has balls and character,” said the Italian after the win. “After the game I saw them laughing, I don’t think they’ll have any problems.”