Social media was buzzing after a seemingly awkward interaction between Jude Bellingham’s mother, Denise, and his new girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, during a Real Madrid match.
A viral screenshot appeared to show Denise giving Castro a side-eye, fueling speculation about possible tension between them.
But was there really any drama, or was this just another case of the internet jumping to conclusions?
Watching the Game Together
Bellingham, unable to play due to a suspension, was in the stands for Real Madrid’s match against Girona, accompanied by his mother and Castro.
The midfielder was sidelined after receiving a red card in Madrid’s previous game against Osasuna for directing foul language at the referee.
It was one of the first public appearances of Bellingham and Castro together since their relationship became official.
The couple had made headlines earlier in the month after reports surfaced that Bellingham had left the celebrity dating app Raya.
The Side-Eye That Wasn’t
As cameras panned to Bellingham’s seating area, a still image began making the rounds online, suggesting that Denise was giving Castro a disapproving look.
Fans quickly speculated that there might be tension between the two, with many interpreting the glance as a sign of discontent.
However, a short video clip that later surfaced told a different story.
In the footage, Denise and Castro appeared to be sharing a lighthearted moment.
What looked like an icy glare was actually just an attempt to get Castro’s attention before the two laughed together.
Denise’s Role in Jude’s Life
Denise has been a crucial figure in Bellingham’s career.
When he moved to Madrid in 2023, she relocated with him to help manage his affairs and ensure his transition to Spain was smooth.
The two currently share an apartment in La Finca, one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhoods, known for its multi-million-pound villas.
This level of involvement isn’t new—when Bellingham left Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund in 2020, Denise made the move to Germany alongside him.
Meanwhile, Bellingham’s father, Mark, remains in England with their younger son, Jobe, who plays for Sunderland.
Castro’s Growing Presence
Bellingham and Castro were first spotted together in public when Real Madrid returned from their Champions League match against Manchester City.
Since then, she has been seen supporting him at games, including sitting with his parents in the family box at the Bernabéu during Madrid’s dominant win over Red Bull Salzburg in January.
Castro, an American model with over 265,000 Instagram followers, has previously been linked to Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan and NBA players LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann.
However, rumors that she was dating Bellingham before officially breaking up with Mann have been dismissed.
Mann himself shut down the speculation in a TikTok live stream, telling fans that Castro had been nothing but loyal.
A Life in the Spotlight
Hailing from Los Angeles, Castro appears to lead a vibrant and artistic lifestyle, often sharing glimpses of her world on social media.
Her Instagram features everything from art gallery visits and scenic landscapes to gym workouts and stylish outings.
Meanwhile, Bellingham’s Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Girona with goals from Vinicius Jr. and Luka Modric.
The win keeps Madrid level on points with rivals Barcelona in the LaLiga title race, although they trail on goal difference.
What’s Next?
With Real Madrid’s season in full swing, all eyes will remain on Bellingham—both on and off the pitch.
As for Denise and Castro, the viral speculation seems to have been much ado about nothing, proving once again that social media often takes things out of context.