Jude Bellingham‘s performance in the Euro 24 might divide opinion, but there’s no doubt about his clutch mentality. Whenever his club or country needs a goal, Jude answers the call. People tend to forget he’s only 21. But those who have his age stamped on their mind, find his post-match actions questionable.
And no, this is not about his gesture against Slovakia. The subject in question has rather become a common theme after every game, and that’s Bellingham ‘Lil bro’ anyone and everyone.
According to many on social media, Jude Bellingham’s habit of patting a fellow teammate or opponent’s head is becoming quite cringe-worthy. Yes, that’s what ‘Lil bro’ someone means. It also includes kissing on the head, patting on the neck or cheek. Some fans online, in multiple instances, have dug out pictures and photos of Bellingham indulging in the act.
A video of him after the Switzerland game has gone viral where Bellingham is seen having his hand on Manuel Akanji’s neck. The former teammates proceeded to swap jerseys.
The same happened after the game against the Netherlands when the Real Madrid star patted Virgil van Dijk on the cheek.
In both cases, Akanji and van Dijk looked devoid of emotions thanks to the loss they suffered. But is this valid enough to put Jude on a social media trial?
The simple answer is no. Those who think it’s a bad thing just might go out and play a bit more. What Bellingham is doing is nothing but showing signs of respect, which is mutual on the football field. The term ‘sportsmanship’ might be a foreign concept to those complaining, but that’s how it is supposed to be. A majority of fans on social media have slammed this supposed agenda against Bellingham and that’s probably the right thing to do.
On top of that, it’s not like Bellingham is always the one doing this. Many athletes, if not everyone, do the same, irrespective of age or stature in the game.
Bellingham himself has been on the receiving end of it and, clearly, he doesn’t mind the show of sportsmanship.
Mike Dodds, Jude Bellingham’s former academy coach at Birmingham City, pointed out this specific aspect of Bellingham which he possessed from a young age. ‘I’m incredibly proud of him, incredibly proud of the young man that he’s developing into. He conducts himself with complete humility, and he’s a fantastic ambassador not just for Birmingham City but for the city of Birmingham,’ Dodds told BBC Radio WM.
Given Bellingham’s father, Mark, was a non-league football legend and a policeman, it should be of no surprise that the practice of sportsmanship and humility started at a young age for Bellingham. His recent success and rise to stardom can also be attributed to those qualities. After all, game recognises game, and if the players don’t mind it, who are we?
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