Jude Bellingham Urges Athletes to Speak Out on Mental Health
England star Jude Bellingham opens up about mental health, urging athletes to speak out and limit exposure to toxic social media comments.
“As athletes, it seems like we have the world at our feet - we can do whatever we want, earn so much money, and never be affected by it...”
Jude Bellingham is urging fellow athletes to speak openly about mental health issues and limit their exposure to toxic social media comments. As a Laureus Ambassador, the Real Madrid and England midfielder emphasized the importance of vulnerability and honesty in addressing mental health struggles.
Bellingham shared his personal experience of being bombarded with opinions about his recent omission from the England squad. He admitted to previously obsessing over social media comments, but now chooses to ignore them, recognizing the negative impact on his mental health.
'There's still a stigma around talking about it. You'll feel a lot better for talking about your feelings and emotions'
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) October 10, 2025
On World Mental Health Day, Laureus Ambassador Jude Bellingham reflects on his own mental health and the role athletes can play in driving a positive… pic.twitter.com/z17SgDL7SQ
Bellingham believes that athletes often feel pressured to maintain a “macho” image, but stresses that it's essential to talk about feelings and emotions. By opening up, athletes can help create a more supportive environment and encourage others to do the same, ultimately breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health.
“As a young player at Birmingham (City), I used to put my name into Twitter and read everything.
“But even if the comments were positive, I quickly decided: Why should I let the opinion of people who don't know me validate how I think about myself?” he said.
“I believed I was a good player before reading it on Twitter - so what was the point in reading other people saying it?
“Of course, if I came across negative comments, it would have the opposite effect. So, again, I asked myself: Why am I putting that on my own mental health?
“There's enough negativity and pressure in professional sport that you don't need to seek it out. Now, when I do read negative comments, it doesn't affect me - but I'd still rather not see them.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Jude Bellingham acknowledges that social media can humanize public figures, but criticizes the prevalent “shut up and take it” attitude toward online hate. He advocates for a more balanced approach, recognizing both the benefits and drawbacks of social media engagement.
'The truth is that I do need someone – everyone does.'
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) October 10, 2025
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has opened up on his personal mental health as he looks to improve support levels across elite sport. pic.twitter.com/JnkAocOcxp
“With the development of social media, there are more ways to attack someone, to make them feel down, and I think there's still a stigma around talking about mental health,” he said.
“I know there've 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, I do - everyone does. And you'll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions.
“As athletes, it seems like we have the world at our feet - 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.”
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