Jude Bellingham is embracing his elevated public profile following his standout performance in the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old midfielder, who scored seven goals to help England secure a third-place finish, has been sharing vacation photos from Hawaii, including several shirtless images, alongside his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro.
Bellingham's success in the tournament, where he was England's highest goalscorer, has fueled what is being described as 'Jude-mania.' This phenomenon has reportedly even inspired lookalike contests. The player has been sharing these images during his getaway, which he is using for a well-deserved rest.
His relationship with American model Ashlyn Castro, 28, has also drawn attention. Castro has reportedly faced online criticism from some of Bellingham's fans, with accusations of being a "gold digger." She has publicly refuted these claims, calling them "disrespectful" and untrue. An industry insider compared the situation to that faced by partners of other high-profile celebrities, noting that dealing with the intense adoration of young fans can be challenging.
Reports suggest that a proposal from Bellingham to Castro may be imminent, with Castro having been a supportive presence during his World Cup matches, cheering him on and celebrating his man-of-the-match awards.
World Cup Controversy
The World Cup campaign was not without its contentious moments for Bellingham. Following England's semi-final loss to Argentina, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he described as "shocking" refereeing decisions. Footage released by FIFA captured Bellingham confronting referee Ismail Elfath, stating, "Some shocking ones there, but all the best." The match was marked by intense physicality, with Bellingham also involved in altercations with Argentinian players Valentin Barco, Cristian Romero, and Nicolas Otamendi after the final whistle.
These clashes occurred amidst heightened tensions between the teams, partly fueled by Argentina's claims regarding the Falkland Islands. While Bellingham also had a notable interaction with Lionel Messi during the match, Argentinian legend Messi was credited with a brilliant performance, assisting both of Argentina's goals.