Social media was buzzing after what some perceived as an awkward interaction between Jude Bellingham’s mother, Denise, and his new girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, during a recent Real Madrid match. The moment, captured by cameras, showed Denise apparently giving Castro a side-eye, sparking speculation and curiosity about potential tension.
Bellingham, currently serving a suspension for using foul language directed at a referee, was unable to join his teammates on the pitch during Madrid's match against Girona. Instead, he was seen supporting the team from the stands alongside his mother and Castro, marking one of the couple's first public outings since they made their relationship official earlier this month.
Controversy surged when fans began discussing the viral image of Denise's glance toward Castro. Initial reactions suggested discomfort or disapproval; many viewers interpreted the screenshot as indicative of tension between the two women. Yet, the narrative quickly shifted as new video footage emerged, showing Denise and Castro laughing together, disproving the initial interpretations.
Denise Bellingham has played a significant role in her son's burgeoning career. When Jude made the move to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, his mother relocated with him to help manage his affairs and ease his adjustment to life abroad. They currently share accommodations in the upscale La Finca neighborhood of Madrid, known for its multi-million-pound villas. Denise's involvement extends beyond this latest move; she similarly accompanied Jude when he departed Birmingham to join Dortmund back in 2020. Meanwhile, Bellingham's father, Mark, remains in England with their younger son, Jobe, who is currently pursuing his own football career with Sunderland.
Dating rumors surrounding Bellingham and Castro began circulating following reports of his departure from the celebrity dating platform Raya. The couple was first spotted together publicly after Real Madrid's return from Manchester City during the Champions League, where Castro was seen happily sitting with Bellingham’s family.
Ashlyn Castro, 27, is not new to the spotlight. An American model and influencer, she boasts over 265,000 followers on Instagram and has previously been linked with celebrities from Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan to NBA players such as LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann. The latter has since defended Castro, insisting there was no overlap between their relationship and her current romance with Bellingham, stating, "Ashlyn is cool, people. I don't know why everybody is on her head about anything. She's cool. Me and Ash are cool."
With her artistic lifestyle, Castro often shares glimpses of her experiences, from gallery visits to fitness routines, captivating her audience. Her visibility has increased significantly since her relationship with Bellingham became public, as fans are eager to learn more about both the football star and his new partner.
The viral moment involving Denise and Castro highlights how easily social media can misinterpret interactions. What seemed like disapproval was simply part of the playful dynamics surrounding the family - something only fully understood once the video revealed the true nature of their exchange.
Despite Bellingham’s ban following his last game, where he was sent off for swearing at the referees during Real's draw with Osasuna, the team continued their LaLiga campaign successfully. They secured a 2-0 victory over Girona, maintaining championship pressure alongside rivals FC Barcelona as they vie for the title.
Each public appearance by this new couple continues to fuel conversations, with all eyes on Bellingham—both as he makes waves on the pitch and as curiosity grows over his private life. The story of Denise and Ashlyn proves yet again how delicate the balance is between public perception and real-life interactions, reminding us of the power of social media narratives.