Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed that he does not consider himself particularly mature outside football, admitting that he still depends on his family and friends for everyday responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.
The 23-year-old made the remarks in a new interview with British Vogue, which featured a fashion photoshoot showcasing his admiration for the styles of the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite being widely regarded as mature and composed from an early age, Bellingham said his dedication to football has come at the expense of developing some basic life skills.
Bellingham Says Football Has Made Him Mature, But Not Everyday Life
Bellingham, who made his professional debut at 16, acknowledged that his extensive experience on the pitch has shaped his maturity as a footballer.
However, he admitted that his personal development away from the game has not progressed at the same pace.
“I feel mature in a football context because I’ve played nearly 400 games, but in a life context I don’t feel that mature now, to be honest,” he told Vogue.
He added that he has yet to master everyday responsibilities, including cooking and driving, and continues to rely on people around him for assistance.
“I can’t cook, I can’t drive… I’m good at what I do, but everything else?
Not that great. I rely on my friends, my family to help me do stuff – chef, cleaner, mum, whoever else,” he said.
The midfielder explained that his demanding football schedule has left him with little time to develop skills outside his profession.
“That’s where I’m at. I work hard every day and all day, and then when I get home, I’ve probably neglected learning how to do some of the more basic things.
But there’ll be a time and a place for that, I’m sure,” he added.
England Star Wants to Be a Gentleman and Role Model
Despite his admission about his personal responsibilities, Bellingham said he takes his public image seriously and wants to conduct himself respectfully away from football.
“I’ve always said that, off the pitch, I want to be a gentleman,” he said.
The Real Madrid star also acknowledged the influence professional footballers have on younger generations, explaining that representing a club or country comes with responsibilities beyond performances on the pitch.
“You can’t just behave how you want but then still represent a city or a country every time you wear their shirt, because you are inspiring [someone],” he said.
“Whether you like it or not, you are looked up to by the next generation. I prefer to see it as a privilege.”
Vogue Photoshoot Highlights Bellingham’s Love for Vintage Fashion
The interview was accompanied by a series of photographs highlighting Bellingham’s interest in classic fashion, particularly styles associated with the 1960s and 1970s.
The England international identified Elvis Presley, actor Michael Caine and James Bond films from that period among the influences behind his fashion preferences.
On the magazine’s cover, Bellingham wears a dark brown suit and coat featuring wide lapels, paired with a bright orange cardigan.
Other photographs show him wearing a herringbone overcoat with white chino shorts and a vintage Adidas sweater combined with pinstripe trousers.
One of the photographs also features the footballer displaying his green provisional driving licence, reflecting his admission that he is still learning to drive.
Bellingham Enjoys Strong Form Ahead of England Internationals
Bellingham’s comments come as he continues to enjoy a productive period on the pitch for Real Madrid.
Under manager Jose Mourinho this season, the midfielder has recorded four goals and four assists in LaLiga, with the Spanish club sitting three points behind Barcelona in the title race.
He has also been named in England’s squad for upcoming international fixtures against Croatia and Spain.
His younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, has also received a call-up, giving the siblings an opportunity to feature together for the national team.
Tuchel Says Relationship With Bellingham Is in a Good Place
England manager Thomas Tuchel has also spoken about his relationship with the Real Madrid midfielder, acknowledging that their working relationship had experienced some difficult periods.
Speaking last Friday, Tuchel said the pair were now in a positive position.
“It was a bit of an up and down [relationship] of course but we are in a good place,” he said.
“I love to be his coach. He’s a top player, a very influential player and I think it goes both ways.
If Jude was not feeling comfortable he would not perform on that level.”
Tuchel added that Bellingham appeared happy with his position in the squad and fully committed to the team.
“In the moment you see he’s happy to come into camp, he’s happy with the role he has, he’s fully invested and now to have the chance to have both of them is just the next step.
I hope we have finished with the down. You never know as a coach!” he said.
Tuchel Reveals Bellingham Had Backed His Younger Brother for England
Tuchel also disclosed that Bellingham had previously spoken to him about his younger brother’s ambition to play alongside him for England.
According to the manager, Jude had repeatedly encouraged the coaching staff to pay attention to Jobe’s development.
“Yeah Jude and I have spoken about his brother because I was aware it was always his dream to play with Jobe for England,” Tuchel said.
“Jude was always saying: ‘Watch him, watch him he’s good, he can make it’. I would say: ‘Yeah we are watching him’.”
Tuchel recalled that Jude had visited England training early in his tenure to watch his brother and that they had discussed the possibility of the pair eventually joining the senior squad together.
The manager welcomed Jobe’s inclusion but noted that the brothers would inevitably attract comparisons.
He described them as similar in appearance and movement but different in their playing styles, explaining that Jobe operates in a more defensive role.
Tuchel also revealed that Jobe was delighted when he received the news of his international selection.
“He couldn’t stop smiling when I called to tell him the news.
He has the same beautiful smile like Jude so it’s nice to have him,” he said.
