Ian Wright has spoken out strongly in defence of Jude Bellingham, arguing that some critics are simply not prepared to see a confident and successful Black footballer dominating on the world stage. The England midfielder has faced scrutiny following his visible frustration after being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some commentators questioning his attitude and influence within the squad.
Wright dismissed those concerns, insisting the criticism has less to do with Bellingham’s behaviour and more to do with how certain people respond to a young, outspoken, high-achieving Black athlete. According to Wright, Bellingham’s excellence and self-assurance unsettle individuals who prefer Black players who remain quiet, humble, and avoid showing too much personality.
He argued that England’s smooth qualification campaign has left some people searching for negativity, and Bellingham has become a convenient target. Wright described the midfielder as a proven winner whose consistency and impact on the pitch make him an easy figure for critics to latch onto when trying to create controversy.
Wright contrasted Bellingham and similar players with figures like N’Golo Kanté, who is widely admired for his quiet demeanour. He suggested that while humble players receive universal praise, others who carry themselves with flair, ambition, and confidence are perceived differently. This, he said, exposes deep-rooted biases about how Black athletes are expected to behave.
The former England striker added that Bellingham’s combination of quality, leadership, and fearlessness presents a threat to those uncomfortable with a Black superstar at the forefront of English football. His talent and presence, Wright suggested, offer inspiration to many but provoke insecurity in others.
Wright also revealed that he reached out to Bellingham ahead of the international break, predicting that the midfielder would soon find himself at the centre of criticism. He warned him to “be ready” for a wave of negative narratives, especially when performances fail to meet sky-high expectations.
Bellingham, who returned to the national team after missing the previous squad through selection decisions, reportedly questioned what Wright meant, only to find out first-hand as scrutiny intensified.
Wright described the cycle of criticism as “tiring” but emphasised the importance of supporting players who face unfair treatment. He maintained that Bellingham remains undeterred, performing at the highest level and continuing to showcase the qualities that have made him one of the world’s most exciting talents.
