Real Madrid midfielder calls speculation “outside noise” after Champions League goal against Monaco
Jude Bellingham has moved swiftly to address speculation surrounding his life away from football, dismissing recent claims as distraction and insisting his focus remains firmly on performances for Real Madrid.
Speaking after Madrid’s commanding Champions League win over Monaco, the English midfielder said the attention around him has little bearing on what he delivers on the pitch.
Bellingham scored Real Madrid’s final goal in a 6–1 victory over Monaco, his first of 2026, and marked it with a brief drinking gesture that immediately sparked debate online.
The celebration came amid heightened scrutiny following comments made days earlier that questioned his professionalism and suggested his off-field habits were affecting his form.
Those comments originated from Spanish YouTuber AuronPlay, who has more than 29 million subscribers and whose remarks quickly gained traction across social media.
He claimed Bellingham “loves alcohol too much” and has visited “every nightclub in Spain”, framing the narrative as a possible explanation for recent performances.
“Have you seen him in training? He’s sweating all of the rum” he added.
The discussion intensified ahead of Real Madrid’s league match against Levante, where the England international was among several players who were booed and whistled during a 2–0 win.
“It feels like anyone now can get a camera, say what they want and the whole world just believes them with no evidence,” Bellingham told TNT Sports.
Jude Bellingham’s celebration after a Spanish YouTuber claimed he loved alcohol and partying too much 😭
🗣️ “It was a joke back to the fans and to the people who say whatever the want… All the outside noise doesn’t matter but it’s nice to have a bit of a joke.” pic.twitter.com/zF59jryQZe
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) January 21, 2026
Bellingham explains drinking celebration
Rather than showing frustration, Bellingham framed the moment as something he chose to approach with humour.
“I feel there’s two ways you can take it,” he added.
“You can cry about it and moan, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it.
“[The gesture] was a bit of a joke back to the fans and to the people who say whatever they want.
“For me, I know the truth and I know what really goes on in my personal life. I know what I give to the game, what I give in the game and what I try to give to the team.
“All the outside noise doesn’t really matter but it’s nice to have a little joke.”
Despite the criticism, Bellingham showed understanding toward supporters who have voiced their displeasure. He reiterated a point he has made before about the role fans play in the club’s ecosystem.
“I’ve always said the fans pay their money, work all week and save up to come to Real Madrid games to support us so they’re entitled to say what they want,” he said.
“This was the kind of performance we have to deliver more for our fans.”