After an intense World Cup campaign with England, Jude Bellingham has swapped football stadiums for tropical scenery, enjoying a relaxing holiday in Hawaii before returning to club duties with Real Madrid.
The midfielder, who found the net seven times during England’s journey to the World Cup semi-finals, has been taking time to unwind alongside his girlfriend, American model Ashlyn Castro.
Exploring Hawaii’s Scenic Landscapes
Rather than heading straight back into training, Bellingham embraced the island lifestyle by exploring Hawaii’s famous Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling nature reserve renowned for its dramatic mountains and lush greenery.
Photos shared on social media showed the England star dressed in a black tank top, paired with a red scarf and a tweed flat cap, giving his hiking outfit a distinctive look while taking in the island’s breathtaking scenery.
The couple later traded hiking trails for sandy beaches, continuing their vacation with a more laid-back day by the ocean.
Beach Time With Ashlyn Castro
Bellingham also shared moments from the beach, sporting a blue bucket hat, white sunglasses and an unbuttoned shirt as he posed for pictures, including one with a fan.
Ashlyn Castro documented the getaway from her own perspective, posting photos in a yellow-and-brown bikini as she enjoyed the Hawaiian sunshine.
The pair appeared to make the most of the break before football commitments resume.
England Stars Spend Their Time Off Differently
Bellingham was far from the only England international making the most of the post-tournament downtime.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice chose a family-focused vacation, visiting Walt Disney World in Florida.
During the trip, he and his five-year-old son, Jude, explored Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, posing together in front of one of the attraction’s iconic spacecraft.
Rice is also celebrating a growing family after he and long-term partner Lauren Fryer welcomed their second child shortly before the World Cup began, although they have not publicly revealed the baby’s name or gender.
Meanwhile, striker Ivan Toney opted for a more social getaway, sharing Instagram pictures of himself relaxing with friends while dressed in a neutral-toned coordinated outfit topped off with a Louis Vuitton headscarf.
World Cup Exit Left Bellingham Frustrated
Despite the relaxing holiday, memories of England’s dramatic World Cup exit remain fresh.
Following the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, Bellingham openly expressed his frustration with several refereeing decisions.
Newly released footage from FIFA’s referee camera showed him approaching match official Ismail Elfath after the final whistle.
In the clip, Bellingham can be heard saying: “Some shocking ones there, but all the best,” as he voiced his disappointment over the officiating.
Heated Scenes After the Final Whistle
Emotions boiled over once the match ended.
Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to taunt Bellingham after the whistle, while tensions escalated further when the England midfielder confronted substitute Valentin Barco.
Bellingham was seen slapping Barco on the back of the head before the Argentine defender pushed him in response.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi also became involved, shoving Bellingham as players from both teams attempted to separate those involved and prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
Political Banner Sparks Fresh Controversy
The aftermath of the match generated additional controversy beyond the on-field clashes.
Several Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), despite FIFA regulations prohibiting political messaging during tournaments.
Among those seen celebrating near the banner were Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and captain Lionel Messi.
Reports indicate FIFA has been examining possible disciplinary action relating to the display and the conduct of Argentina’s players following both the semi-final against England and their subsequent defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Messi’s Reputation Takes a Hit in Britain
The tournament also appears to have affected Lionel Messi’s public image in the United Kingdom.
According to a YouGov survey, the Argentine captain’s favorability among Britons has fallen sharply since the start of the World Cup.
Before the competition, a majority viewed him positively, but following the controversies surrounding Argentina’s conduct and several heated incidents on the pitch, public opinion shifted significantly.
The poll suggests Messi now carries a negative net favorability rating in Britain, leaving him with a lower public standing than long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The change reflects the wider debate sparked by Argentina’s behavior during the tournament, with criticism focusing on both disciplinary incidents and politically charged celebrations.
