Ian Wright, Arsenal and England legend, has once again spoken out in defence of Jude Bellingham following recent criticism of the Real Madrid midfielder in his home country. In a conversation on the YouTube channel The Overlap, featuring Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, Wright claimed that the origin of the media harassment has a racial component. "England is not ready for a black superstar," he said bluntly.

England is not ready for a black superstar

Ian Wright

The former footballer stressed that Bellingham is a young, talented player with a strong personality, something that - according to him - makes certain media sectors uncomfortable. "I'm worried about Jude just because he's someone the media can't control. He's showing people: here I am, I'm black, I'm proud, I'm ready," said Wright, who lamented that this attitude generates rejection.

"It scares people with its ability and inspiration"

Wright elaborated on his stance by explaining that Bellingham's confidence and presence are seen as threats to those who seek to maintain negative narratives. "He goes out there, performs and does what he does. He's too bold for those people. Someone like Jude, for some reason, scares these people because of his ability and inspiration," he said.

To illustrate his point, he compared the media treatment between different black footballers. "Everyone loves N'Golo Kante. He's humble, he does his thing and he has that personality. But if you have a Pogba or a Bellingham, and you have that kind of energy, that doesn't sit well with people", he added, denouncing a double standard.

Unfounded accusations and a history of attacks

Bellingham has been the target of recent criticism from some English journalists. He was accused of not celebrating a goal by Harry Kane against Albania - something later disproved by the images - and of being upset after being substituted by Morgan Rogers, even though no camera captured the gestures mentioned. Wright had already come to his defence, posting a message on social media from the BBC in which he called the player "a great guy with talent and a lot of love to give".

"The problem is that they have to create this story because there is nothing else to talk about until the World Cup. They hate that they can't get to him or negatively influence his career, as they have done with so many others," the former striker wrote.

Media racism, a recurring theme in England

In the same talk, Gary Neville recalled a conversation with Raheem Sterling in 2016, when the then Manchester City player confessed to him that he felt persecuted by the press because of the color of his skin. "He felt he was being unfairly attacked and that it was not football related," Neville said, stressing that these patterns of coverage remain in place.

As England prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the discussion about the media treatment of their players is once again at the centre of the debate. Wright, for his part, insists that the criticism of Bellingham goes beyond sport.