Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of England midfielder Jude Bellingham, insisting that he has earned the right to have a ‘bit of arrogance.’
Ever since his high-profile move to Real Madrid, Bellingham has repeatedly been subjected to criticism, with critics often suggesting that his on-field demeanour leans towards arrogance.
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During Euro 2024, the 22-year-old was branded ‘cocky’ and ‘arrogant’ for his choice of celebration after scoring against Slovakia. Bellingham has been criticised not only by individuals but also by the English media.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand strongly pushed back on claims that Bellingham has a self-inflated sense of his own worth, stating that the former Borussia Dortmund man worked his way to the top.
“You don’t do what he’s done in the game without having a bit of arrogance, character, presence, and without expecting to be the number one guy because that’s all he’s been all his career since he was 10 years old. Why change him? He’s got this far and become this good and he’s one of the most integral main players in that team. You’re telling me he needs to turn it down a notch,” Ferdinand said.
“Please I’m not having it. Yes, you want him to play within your guidelines if you are the manager. But I can’t accept anyone saying he’s the problem. This guy is the only one alongside Harry Kane, who at the biggest moments, his presence gets bigger in the stadium,” he added.
Bellingham is currently on international duty with the England national team at the 2026 World Cup. He gave the Three Lions their goal-ahead goal in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Croatia.
Bellingham sets new record after featuring in England’s 2026 World Cup opener
Bellingham reached a new milestone after being named in England’s starting lineup that faced Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday. By playing against Croatia, Bellingham became the youngest European player to play in four major European tournaments.
That saw him surpass Germany and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who had set the record earlier in the ongoing World Cup when he played in their group game against Curaçao. Bellingham made his debut at a major tournament at UEFA Euro 2020, which was played in the summer of 2021. He then featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before helping England reach the final of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Bellingham achieved the feat at 22 years and 353 days, dethroning Musiala, who reached the milestone at 23 years and 108 days.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide