'That hate can be tough' - Jude Bellingham sounds important message on World Mental Health Day as Real Madrid star reveals hope of overcoming 'old-fashioned outlook'

Footballers, including Bellingham, have previously needed to put on a tough façade to show that criticism doesn't impact their performances. The Real Madrid midfielder has admitted that, while at Birmingham, he did used to name search for himself on social media as he was breaking through at St. Andrew's.

Bellingham would go on to move to Borussia Dortmund and then to Real Madrid in 2023, winning La Liga and the Champions League in his debut campaign in Spain. The 22-year-old also finished third in the 2024 Ballon d'Or to mark an impressive rise.

However, the England international has seen his game critiqued in recent months, while the increase in the use of social media platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram means there are now more ways to attack players without facing any repercussions than ever before.

Bellingham believes that the increase in social media usage means there is a stigma about talking about mental health, and is quoted by ESPN as saying: "With the development of social media and technology, there's more ways to attack someone, to make them feel down - and I think there's still a stigma around talking about mental health.

"I know there's been times where I've felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to - and, instead, I've tried to keep up this macho athlete image of, 'I don't need anyone'.

"The truth is that I do, everyone does. And you'll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions."

The Real Madrid star also believes there are unrealistic expectations on sportspeople to essentially accept that hate is part and parcel of their career, adding: "As athletes, it seems like we have the world at our feet or hands - we can do whatever we want, earn so much money and never be affected by it.

"But the reality is, if we can show vulnerability, then it opens up a bigger conversation for people who are struggling in the darkness. It's the duty of people like me - and the positions we're in - to be role models.

"I still think athletes are seen as people who should shut up and take it, which is an old-fashioned outlook. That hate can be really tough for athletes - and I can really empathise with those who struggle with their mental health. Everyone is allowed their opinion on sport, but there should be limits to the horrible things you can say. 

"I've never been in a deep hole mentally, but I've been around people who have, and it's sad to see."

Bellingham believes that the unrealistic expectations athletes also put on themselves does them no favours, while suggesting that it does have a negative impact on a sportsperson. "I always try to keep my confidence high, whether it's through self-reassurance, or accepting the fact that I won't complete every pass, I won't beat every player or score and win every game," he added.

"The more comfortable you are with that then the more comfortable you are with knowing you're not perfect."

Bellingham has only recently returned to action after undergoing shoulder surgery over the summer, which means he has been restricted to just one league start under new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. And despite a return to first team duties in recent weeks, the Los Blancos star failed to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the October international break.

That break, though, will have given Bellingham more time to build up his fitness as league leaders Real Madrid look to maintain their flying start to the season. Alonso has overseen seven wins in his eight games in charge and return to league action next weekend when they make the short trip across the capital to take on Getafe.