Jude Bellingham opens up about pressure at Real Madrid and Mourinho’s advice

Jude Bellingham has spoken about the pressure that affected him, life in Madrid and advice from Mourinho in an in-depth interview. The England international appears on the cover of a magazine’s December issue, which explores both his life away from football and the demands of playing for a leading club such as Real Madrid.

One of the stories he shares concerns his habit of cutting holes in his socks to ease pressure around his calves. Mourinho told him that a child had copied the habit after seeing him do it. When the boy explained that he was trying to relieve pressure on his calves, Mourinho replied: “Kid, you’re nine. You don’t have calves.” Bellingham clearly enjoyed retelling the line. Young players have since copied the habit, but Mourinho’s response is a reminder that not every football trend is necessary at that age.

Mourinho has also praised the midfielder: “There is no midfielder in the world like Bellingham; he is unique.” Bellingham, meanwhile, speaks warmly about life in the Spanish capital. Asked what he likes most about Madrid, his answer is immediate: “Playing for Real Madrid.” He also enjoys the city’s many different sides and describes the rain in Madrid as “a little more… elegant”.

The attention that comes with his profile has practical effects on his everyday life. When he wants a coffee, he often chooses places on the outskirts, where he feels less exposed to crowds. Even so, he says he tries to make time for supporters, particularly children: a photograph can keep them happy for a long while, he points out, while costing him only a few seconds.

Bellingham also discusses the pressure he experienced during the previous campaign. He acknowledges that it had begun to affect him more seriously than he wanted. “At times, I felt football was consuming me,” he says, describing the tension and stress that came with it. After a run of four matches in 14 days, his first instinct was still to focus on recovery, leaving little time or energy for anything else.

He sees responsibility as part of that public attention. Bellingham says becoming a role model was not his motivation for entering football; nevertheless, he knows young fans admire him and that his actions reflect on more than just himself. “I want to be a gentleman.” He also talks about his efforts to learn Spanish: having the confidence to try speaking matters, even when you know you will make mistakes. If people understand what you mean, he believes, they will appreciate the effort.