Jude Bellingham shared his response where it matters most – on the pitch.
After the match, the Real Madrid midfielder dismissed speculation about his off-field life after playing a key role in a dominant 6-1 Champions League win over AS Monaco.
Bellingham scored Madrid’s final goal of the night, marking his first strike of 2026 and putting the finishing touch on a commanding European performance.
Yet the talking point that followed was not the result or the scoreline, but his goal celebration.
After finding the net, the midfielder made a brief drinking gesture, which immediately sparked debate online and in Spanish media circles.
The context behind that moment stretches back a few days.
Popular Spanish YouTuber AuronPlay had gone viral before Madrid’s weekend clash against Levante, claiming Bellingham “loves alcohol too much” and suggesting he had visited “every nightclub in Spain.”
The implication was that his form was being affected away from football. The comments quickly gathered traction, placing unnecessary focus on the midfielder.
Speaking after the Monaco match, Bellingham addressed the celebration directly and clarified its meaning.
He explained that the gesture was never meant to be taken seriously, saying,
"My celebration? A lot of people say a lot of things. You can cry or enjoy it. I turned the joke back on the fans," he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Bellingham also showed maturity when discussing the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu, particularly moments when sections of the crowd express frustration.
Rather than criticise supporters, he defended their right to react.
"I’ve always said that the fans work all week, pay to come here and have the right to do whatever they want."
Before wrapping up, the England international made sure to highlight the impact of a teammate who stole the show.
Vinicius Jr. was directly involved in four of Madrid’s six goals, and Bellingham was full of praise for the Br azilian’s influence.
"Vinicius was really precise. I never doubt him. He’s a player who shines when he receives affection."
"When the fans showed him their affection, he took it to another level," he concluded.