Bellingham: It’s Time We Show Our Vulnerability

Mental health matters in the social media era

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England’s star, speaks about the psychological pressures athletes face today and the vital need to prioritize mental health and open conversations within sport.

He argues athletes should be role models and help dismantle the stereotype of “unbreakable strength” expected of every professional on the field.

According to Marca, when I was a young player at Birmingham, I would search my name on Twitter and read every comment about me. At first I was curious, but I quickly realized that even positive feedback could distort how I viewed myself, because I started measuring myself against others’ opinions.

I used to think I was good before reading that stuff on Twitter, so what’s the point of knowing what people say? If comments are negative, the impact is the opposite, so I chose not to let it affect my mental health.

Social media can have a positive side too: direct engagement with fans and a channel to express oneself away from press conferences. When you’re honest, the public gets to know you better, which strengthens the bond with supporters.

But, as I learned as a youngster, there is a darker side. Professional sport carries enough pressure, without adding more from negative words. Today, even if I encounter harsh comments, they don’t affect me, but I’d rather not see them at all.

The need for role models and empathy remains crucial in this evolving landscape. As technology grows, so do ways to hurt, and the stigma around talking about mental health persists, even though many athletes fight anxiety or self‑doubt.

Even I have had moments when I felt weak and needed someone to talk to, but I hid behind the image of the invincible athlete who doesn’t need anyone. The truth is I need support like anyone else, and feeling mentally well comes only when you express what’s inside you.

We athletes often appear to live a flawless life, but we are humans. If we show vulnerability, we invite a broader dialogue for millions who suffer in silence. With the influence we hold, we must be role models and prove that weakness isn’t a sin but evidence of humanity.

The old stereotype of silent athletes isn’t realistic anymore. There is affection from fans, but also sometimes intense hate from others for club loyalties or a single mistake. That hostility can be mentally damaging. I can empathize with athletes who struggle with depression or loss of confidence. Everyone should have the right to express opinions in sport, but boundaries are needed to shield players from abuse. Regulating social media is tricky, but a strong support network around every athlete matters.

In Real Madrid, I have a solid support system: coaches, teammates, and staff I can talk to if I feel down or anxious. A healthy environment makes a huge difference, and mental and emotional training should be as essential as physical training. I have never faced a severe mental crisis, but I’ve seen players go through it, and that’s painful. I want to be the teammate people trust with their problems.

Trust is the key to everything. When you have it, you feel you can face any challenge; when you lose it, you feel you can’t run or think. Restoring trust starts with performance and self‑acceptance. I try to keep my confidence high through self‑affirmation and accepting that I won’t be perfect every time. You don’t succeed in every pass or match, and that’s natural. Learning to live with that brings greater peace.

The power of sport is real. Football, like other sports, has a magic that brings people together. It’s not just a game but a way to connect, laugh, and form genuine friendships. Sometimes you find in your team the person you can talk to when life isn’t going well. That is the true power of sport: a second family that understands you without long explanations.

In short, football’s strength lies in its humanity, and showing a bit of vulnerability can open doors for millions of people who wrestle with inner battles. The sport can be a school of empathy if we let it.

Two quick thoughts to close: Sniper joke 1: If social media were a stadium, I’d bench the comments and save the focus for real training instead. Sniper joke 2: They say there’s no I in team—there is an I in mental health, and that’s where honest conversations begin.