Football legend Ian Wright has voiced strong support for Jude Bellingham following recent media criticism, expressing genuine concern for the England midfielder's wellbeing amid what he describes as racially-motivated backlash.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
The controversy emerged during England's 2-0 victory over Albania on Sunday, when Bellingham appeared visibly frustrated at being substituted during the match. This reaction prompted significant media scrutiny and criticism directed at the young midfielder.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Wright didn't hold back in his assessment of the situation. He argued that the negative coverage stems from deeper issues of racism within football media, suggesting Bellingham's self-assured personality "frightens" certain commentators and audiences.
Parallels with Sterling's Experience
Wright drew direct comparisons with Raheem Sterling's past experiences with media treatment, recalling Gary Neville's observations about the unfair targeting Sterling faced due to his race. The Arsenal icon emphasised how Bellingham's combination of exceptional talent, outspoken nature, and race creates discomfort in some quarters.
"They're not ready for a black superstar who carries himself with that level of confidence," Wright stated during the podcast discussion recorded on Thursday 20 November 2025.
Contrasting Treatment of Black Players
The former England striker highlighted the contrasting media treatment between Bellingham and other black players like N'Golo Kante, whom he described as more "humble" in their public persona. Wright suggested that Bellingham's unwillingness to conform to certain expectations makes certain commentators uncomfortable.
Wright's defence comes at a time when discussions about race and representation in football media have gained significant traction. His comments have reignited debates about how black athletes are portrayed in British sports journalism and the different standards applied to players of colour.
The football community remains divided on the issue, with many supporters echoing Wright's concerns while others maintain the criticism of Bellingham's reaction was purely about footballing behaviour rather than racial bias.
