A joke among the England national football team's partners, known as Wags, suggests a fear of Jude Bellingham's mother, Denise. However, his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, has reportedly managed to win over Denise, forming a strong connection.
When Bellingham and Castro began their relationship in 2024, which is believed to have started on the dating app Raya, sources indicated that Denise Bellingham was wary of Castro. Concerns were raised by both Jude's parents, Denise and Mark, regarding Castro's profession as an influencer, with fears that she might seek to exploit their son's success. This initial apprehension was compounded by the contrast between the Bellingham family's West Midlands roots and Castro's Los Angeles upbringing, as well as her lifestyle, often depicted on social media with private jets and lavish hotels.
"Denise and Mark have put their life and soul into Jude and his brother becoming football stars, the last thing they want is a woman to use his success for their own gain," a source within the England camp stated. "So when Jude announced he was dating Ashlyn, the connotations of her job were not exactly appealing to his parents, in fact there were red flags. I guess she had to prove herself."
Castro has since been seen supporting Bellingham at England's World Cup games and Real Madrid matches, often seated next to his mother. IMAGE2
The development of a bond between Castro and Denise Bellingham is reportedly linked to Castro's strained relationship with her own mother, Tina-Marie Young. Young has publicly criticized her daughter and Bellingham through TikTok videos, claiming to be living in a homeless shelter. Castro has stated that her mother suffers from schizophrenia and has not taken medication for a decade, which has impacted their relationship. Her father died in 2021 after contracting COVID-19.
"Both Ashlyn and Denise are ‘as tough as old boots,’" a source commented. "Ashlyn has a very difficult relationship with her mother and it’s fair to say that Denise has been there to help with that."
Castro has also been a source of support for Denise Bellingham as she navigates life following her split from husband Mark after 20 years of marriage. The couple separated after years of living apart to support their sons' football careers, with Denise relocating to Spain with Jude while Mark remained to support Jobe, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany. IMAGE4
Sources suggest the relationship between Jude Bellingham and Ashlyn Castro is serious, with Bellingham referring to her as "my love" and Castro describing him as "the most thoughtful, kind-hearted, hardworking, incredible human I’ve ever known."
Castro, who is six years older than Bellingham, has faced online criticism from some of his fans, with accusations of being a "gold digger." She has refuted these claims, calling them "disrespectful" and untrue. The couple resides in Bellingham's mansion in Madrid's La Finca area. A source predicts potential wedding bells in the future, noting the importance of Castro having secured Denise Bellingham's approval.