A storm has swirled around Jude Bellingham after his visible frustration at being substituted in England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania — and former striker Ian Wright says the reaction exposes something uglier than simple criticism of a footballer’s temperament.
Wright argues that what we’re seeing isn’t merely sport-speak: it’s a media and cultural discomfort with a Black player ascending to genuine global superstardom.
When brilliance unsettles the narrative
At 22, Bellingham’s rise has been meteoric. From Birmingham City prodigy to Bundesliga star at Borussia Dortmund and then a record-making move to Real Madrid, he arrived at the Bernabéu and immediately stamped his authority, a La Liga and Champions League double, 23 goals, and 13 assists in his debut season.
His Euro 2024 heroics — including a stunning 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia- only sharpened the spotlight.
But with that spotlight comes scrutiny. Bellingham’s recent benching under England coach Thomas Tuchel, and his reaction on the touchline, prompted debate.
Tuchel acknowledged the need for standards and mutual respect while stressing that competitive players rarely take substitutions lightly. For many, that should have been the end of the story. For others, it became something more.
Ian Wright: control, race and the fear of a new kind of star
Speaking with blunt clarity, Ian Wright suggested the coverage of Bellingham reveals bias: a fear of a Black footballer who cannot be easily managed by traditional narratives. Wright said Bellingham “frightens certain people” precisely because he is unapologetically talented, confident and visible.
Wright drew contrasts with how different personalities are received, lauding the affection for quiet, humble performers while suggesting that flair, charisma and defiance provoke suspicion.
He named figures like Paul Pogba as examples of players whose energy unsettles some observers and argued Bellingham’s blend of excellence and self-possession has triggered disproportionate commentary.
A long pattern, not an isolated moment
This is not new territory. The media’s portrayal of Black footballers has long been contested.
Gary Neville, speaking alongside Wright, reminded viewers of Raheem Sterling’s long battle with unfair treatment in the press, and historical episodes such as the racist abuse trotted out after missed penalties or public activism show the pattern persists.
Beyond headlines, the stakes are personal and cultural: representation, expectations, and the limited scripts often available to Black stars. When a player combines elite performance with visible personality, the reaction can reveal more about society than about the player.
Football’s finest and the cost of visibility
Bellingham’s international fortunes have been a rollercoaster this year, left out of England’s October squad, recalled for recent qualifiers, and now facing questions over his starting spot. Yet his calibre is indisputable: a rare blend of technical skill, drive and global appeal that makes him an asset on any pitch.
Wright’s plea is simple and urgent: allow greatness to be brilliant without turning it into a morality play. If the game wants heroes, it must be ready to accept them in their full humanity — the triumphs, the temper, the ambition.
The larger conversation
This episode with Bellingham is about more than tactics or substitutions. It forces football and media to examine how narratives are shaped and who gets to define the acceptable face of stardom. Bellingham’s rise is a test: will the sport embrace a new kind of superstar on his own terms, or will old biases narrow how we see excellence?
For now, the young midfielder keeps doing what he does best: playing, creating moments that stop you in your tracks, and — whether some audiences are ready or not — reminding the world what true footballing stardom looks like.
