“I Want to Be a Gentleman”: Jude Bellingham Admits He Can’t Cook or Drive

Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham is used to being described as mature beyond his years. But the 23-year-old footballer admits that away from the pitch, he is far less independent than people might imagine. He cannot cook, does not drive and still relies on his family and friends to help him with many everyday tasks.

Bellingham opened up about his life beyond football in an extensive interview with British Vogue, which marks his first appearance on the magazine’s cover. The footballer also took part in a stylish photoshoot inspired by the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s.

“In a football context, I feel mature because I’ve played nearly 400 games. But in normal life, honestly, I don’t feel that grown-up yet. I can’t cook, I can’t drive… I’m good at what I do, but not much else. I have friends and family who help me out — a chef, a cleaner, my mum and other people close to me,” he admitted.

He explained that football has occupied almost his entire life since childhood. He works on improving his game every day, leaving little time to relax or master even the most basic life skills. Still, Bellingham believes there is time for everything.

From daisy chains to Real Madrid

It is hard to imagine today, but as a child, Jude did not even dream of becoming a footballer. Growing up in Stourbridge, near Birmingham, he was far more interested in playing with friends, making daisy chains for his mother and spending time with his family. His father, Mark, a former police officer and prolific player for semi-professional clubs, hoped his son would follow in his footsteps.

Young Jude, however, did not share his enthusiasm. Football seemed too rough a game for him. Things began to change when his younger brother, Jobe, developed an interest in the sport. That was when Bellingham gradually fell in love with football himself.

He joined Birmingham City’s academy at the age of seven and made his first-team debut at 16, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. In 2020, Borussia Dortmund signed the young midfielder for around £25 million. Three years later, he moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £115 million.

In his debut season in Spain, Bellingham helped the team win both the La Liga title and the Champions League. Today, he is one of the most recognisable footballers of his generation.

“Away from the pitch, I want to be a gentleman”

Despite his superstar status, Bellingham believes it is important to remain someone young fans can look up to. He admits that becoming a role model was never his original ambition when he started playing football, but over time he came to understand the responsibility that comes with fame.

“You can’t just behave however you want and then continue to represent a city or a country every time you put that shirt on. You inspire someone. Whether you like it or not, the next generation is watching you. I choose to see that as a privilege. I’ve always said that away from the pitch, I want to be a gentleman,” he explained.

He also recalled a funny conversation with Real Madrid manager José Mourinho. Mourinho once told him about an incident from his time at Roma, when a nine-year-old boy had cut three holes into the backs of his football socks. The child explained that Bellingham did the same thing to relieve pressure on his calves. Mourinho pointed out that at nine, he probably did not yet have calves that needed such treatment.

Family is his greatest support

Family was a recurring theme throughout the interview. Bellingham spoke warmly about his parents, younger brother and relatives in Jamaica, where he went to recover after undergoing shoulder surgery. He said his Jamaican heritage on his mother's side and Irish roots on his father's side are important parts of his identity.

The footballer also tries not to take his fans for granted. Even when he has to sign dozens of autographs after a match, he understands how much those few seconds of interaction can mean to young supporters.

However, living under constant public scrutiny can be challenging. Bellingham revealed that during the previous season, the pressure and demanding match schedule sometimes became overwhelming. He eventually began working with a specialist who helped him develop better ways of managing stress.

“Sometimes you play four games in 14 days. You get home and all you can think about is recovery. By the time you’re finished, it’s already time to go to bed,” he said.

Advice from Beckham and support from Ian Wright

Bellingham also spoke about the people who helped him cope with the pressure. During Euro 2024, when the England team was facing intense criticism, David Beckham reached out and advised him not to pay attention to the negative noise surrounding the squad.

Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright also offered his support. When critical stories about Bellingham began appearing in the press, Wright warned him that difficult times might lie ahead.

“I always get a little nervous when he messages me. I immediately think, ‘What have they said about me now?’” the footballer joked.

Nevertheless, he stressed how much he values their relationship and said he is always happy to see Wright at England matches.

Sixties and seventies-inspired style

Fashion was another major subject of the interview. Bellingham said he is drawn to the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, combining classic tailoring with elements of streetwear. His style inspirations include Elvis Presley, Michael Caine and James Bond as portrayed by actors from earlier decades.

For his Vogue photoshoot, the footballer posed in elegant suits with wide lapels, coats and vintage-inspired looks. In one photograph, he even showed off his provisional driving licence — a particularly fitting detail given his admission that he has yet to master driving.

Bellingham is far more private when it comes to his personal life. Since early 2025, he has been linked to American model and influencer Ashlyn Castro, although the pair rarely appear together in public and have said very little about their relationship.

Towards the end of the interview, the footballer made it clear that he has no desire to present himself as a perfect person.

“You make mistakes, you own them and you try to learn from them. I never want people to think that I’m flawless,” Bellingham said.