Jude Bellingham opens up about why he “lost his joy” for football, and it’s truly heartbreaking to hear.

Jude Bellingham has shared why he lost his joy for football ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

On Wednesday night, defending champions Real Madrid will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, who lead the group after winning all four matches so far. In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti’s side sit in 20th place, with two wins and two losses from their opening games.

Before the much-anticipated showdown, the 21-year-old English midfielder addressed the media, reflecting on a challenging period following England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

Bellingham admitted: “I lost my smile playing for England after the Euros because I felt I was a bit mistreated given what I contributed. The smile is back now, but I think the criticism was a bit harsh. I felt like a scapegoat and even found myself feeling sorry for myself at times.”

He continued: “I felt I played a part in some big moments, but it was as if the world was falling apart, especially in the three days after the final. It was a tough experience.”

Bellingham also responded to claims that he avoided speaking to the press during the Euros in Germany.

He explained: “That was portrayed as me thinking I’m above it, but it wasn’t that at all. There were personal issues—journalists visited my family members, including my grandparents, while I was at the tournament. That crossed a line of respect for me.

“My family comes first, and my nan didn’t feel safe leaving her house all summer. Maybe I should’ve shared this sooner, but it felt too personal, so I stayed silent and let my football speak for me.”

Bellingham emphasized that protecting his family was his priority, even if it meant facing criticism for his media silence.