When Real Madrid stepped onto the pitch for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Manchester City, the focus was on the football.
But as Madrid dominated their English opponents, strolling to a 3-1 victory in the second leg and securing their spot in the Round of 16, some eyes wandered beyond the action on the field—to the stands, where Jude Bellingham’s mother, Denise, was accompanied by a woman who has now sparked serious speculation.
The woman in question? Ashlyn Castro, an American social media influencer and model who has reportedly been linked to Bellingham as his girlfriend.
Her appearance alongside Bellingham’s mother in Madrid and her support for the young English star in other games like when the Los Blancos faced off against RB Salzburg.
But who exactly is Ashlyn Castro, and why has their supposed romance stirred up so much conversation?
Who Is Ashlyn Castro?
Born in Long Beach, California, Ashlyn Castro has built a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her luxury lifestyle, fashion choices, and jet-set travels.
She began her social media journey in 2014, initially posting travel content before shifting toward influencer culture. Over time, her profile gained traction, thanks in part to her striking looks and high-profile connections.
While she just has a green heart on her Instagram bio, which comes into significance later on, she has over 350k followers on her account.
The Age Gap Controversy
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Castro and Bellingham’s rumored relationship is the apparent age gap. The Real Madrid star is only 21 years old, born in June of 2003, while Castro’s widely reported birthdate—December 17, 1997—puts her at 27.
However, speculation has arisen that she may actually be older than that. Some unconfirmed sources claim that Castro is 32, which, if true, would mean an 11-year gap between her and Bellingham.
While age gaps in relationships are nothing new, they can often attract scrutiny, particularly when one person is a rising young athlete. Some fans have expressed curiosity over this new dynamic between Bellingham and Castro.
A Pattern of High-Profile Romances
Beyond the age debate, Castro’s history of dating celebrities has also come into focus. While some see it as a coincidence, others speculate whether she has a pattern of gravitating toward high-profile figures.
In 2017 Castro was linked to Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan. The two were spotted together at a private event in Los Angeles, and rumors swirled after images showed Castro sitting on Jordan’s lap.
Reports suggested they had spent New Year’s Eve together, adding to speculation that the relationship was serious. However, by late 2018, the romance fizzled out.
Following her split from Jordan, Castro continued to move in celebrity circles. She was later linked to Atlanta Hawks basketball star Terence Mann, with rumours on social media suggesting that she’d been unfaithful allegedly with Bellingham.
Although Mann did shut down the speculation, branding it “crazy”, “Ashlyn is cool, people,” Mann said. “I don’t know why everybody is on her head about anything,” he added.
Mann isn’t the only NBA star Castro has been linked with. Her name in the past has been mentioned along with Hornets star Lamelo Ball.
An insider speaking to the Mirror stated this about Castro’s lifestyle: “With several years of experience in the world of A-listers, she understands how to maintain intrigue while keeping her private life private. The only certainty is that wherever Ashlyn goes, attention follows.”
Are Castro and Bellingham A Serious Pair?
While neither Castro nor Bellingham have officially confirmed their relationship, there are enough signs that this could be more than just a casual fling.
Castro’s presence at multiple games, not just big clashes is a sign that she’s committed to supporting her alleged boyfriend in Bellingham. An even more significant sign is her being spotted with Bellingham’s mother, Denise, a clear indication that she is in his close circle.
The two were seen at one of Jude’s games enjoying each other’s company.
Fans have also pointed out that Bellingham used the same green heart emoji in one of his stories that Castro has in her bio which many believe is a subtle nod to each other.
