Former England striker Ian Wright believes the response to Jude Bellingham’s behavior during recent international duty shows that certain observers “are not ready for a black superstar.” His comments follow criticism aimed at the Real Madrid midfielder after he displayed frustration when taken off in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said he would look back at the incident, having previously apologized to Bellingham earlier this year for earlier remarks about his conduct.
Despite starring during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, Bellingham has not secured an automatic position in Tuchel’s starting lineup, raising uncertainty around his role at the 2026 World Cup.
Wright’s concerns about perception
Wright said on The Overlap YouTube channel that some media voices feel uneasy with Bellingham’s growing influence, suggesting that the midfielder’s personality challenges their expectations.
He argued that the 22-year-old’s presence unsettles certain people, saying Bellingham displays confidence that some prefer not to see in a high-profile black player.
Wright compared reactions toward different players, noting that unassuming figures like N’Golo Kanté receive universal praise, while expressive players such as Paul Pogba or Bellingham face more scrutiny.
Career rise and international scrutiny
Bellingham’s profile has expanded rapidly since leaving Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and later joining Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €133.9m.
He enjoyed a remarkable debut season in Spain, delivering a league and European double while contributing 23 goals and 13 assists.
At Euro 2024, he produced one of the tournament’s standout moments with a late overhead finish against Slovakia, helping England reach the last eight.
Experiences of other England players
Gary Neville, speaking alongside Wright, recalled Raheem Sterling expressing similar frustrations during Euro 2016.
Sterling later accused sections of the press in 2018 of encouraging negative stereotypes about black footballers.
Wright said the two cases share familiar themes, arguing that outspoken black players at the highest level can unsettle those who prefer them to remain quiet.
Recent England involvement
Bellingham was omitted from October’s squad before returning for matches against Serbia and Albania this month.
He featured midway through the Serbia match and came on after the hour mark against Albania, later making way for Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel said competitive players dislike being removed but stressed that collective standards outweigh individual reactions.
Ongoing concerns around racist abuse
England players have previously been targeted, including Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho, who faced online racism after the Euro 2021 final.
A mural of Rashford was vandalized following the match, shortly after his campaign to keep free school meals during school holidays.
Wright said black players who show confidence and speak openly may intimidate some audiences, especially when performing at an elite level.
