Jude Bellingham, the 23-year-old Real Madrid star, is reportedly planning to build a billion-pound business empire and pursue a knighthood following his standout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite England's semi-final loss to Argentina. According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Bellingham aims to emulate the career trajectory of David Beckham, who also leveraged his football fame into a global brand and received a knighthood.
World Cup Performance Boosts Profile
Bellingham scored six goals during the tournament, captivating fans with his athleticism and charisma. This has significantly increased his marketability, building on existing endorsement deals with brands like Skims underwear and Lucozade. The source noted, "The levels of hysteria over him can only be matched by David Beckham when he was in his early 20s."
Building the Bello&Bello Team
To manage his image rights and brand growth, Bellingham has expanded Bello&Bello Ltd, the company he runs with his mother Denise, father Mark, and brother Jobe. New additions include legal expert Oliver Hunt of Onside Law, financial advisor Simon Morris, and former FA player Lewis Maddison. The source explained, "Jude has a very carefully orchestrated plan in place. His parents have been so controlling of his career, but the decision was made that if he wants to grow bigger and become the next Beckham, he needs to put the infrastructure in place."
Relationship and Online Abuse
Bellingham is in a relationship with American influencer Ashlyn Castro, 28, whom he reportedly met on the dating app Raya in 2024. Castro has faced online abuse, which she addressed on TikTok, stating, "I've encountered constant disrespect, abuse, and criticism from all sides. It's been too much." She emphasized her reluctance to discuss her private life publicly but plans to focus on mental health advocacy.
The Mirror has contacted Bello&Bello for comment. Bellingham's team is reportedly working towards building "Billionaire Bellingham" as a global brand.
