“I Know the Truth”: Jude Bellingham Answers Critics With Drinking Celebration in Real Madrid’s Champions League Rout

On a night when Real Madrid desperately needed calm, control and clarity, Jude Bellingham provided all three — with a goal, a gesture, and a message that carried far beyond the Bernabéu pitch. As Los Blancos swept Monaco aside 6-1 in the Champions League, the England midfielder delivered his response to critics not through a press conference or a social media post, but in the most footballer way possible: by scoring, smiling, and raising an imaginary drink.

For Bellingham, it was not defiance. It was humour. And above all, it was confidence in himself.

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and a Celebration That Said Plenty

Real Madrid C.F. v AS Monaco – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7

When Jude Bellingham struck Real Madrid’s sixth goal in the 80th minute against Monaco, the outcome of the match had long been settled. The Champions League points were secure, the crowd was relaxed, and Madrid were cruising. Yet what followed ensured the moment would not be forgotten.

Standing near the corner flag, Bellingham mimed taking a sip from a glass. A small gesture, almost playful — but one loaded with meaning.

After the match, the 22-year-old explained exactly why he did it.

“It was a bit of a joke,” Bellingham said. “Anyone can get a camera now, say what they want, and the whole world believes them with no evidence.”

The celebration was a direct, tongue-in-cheek reference to recent accusations about his personal life — claims he described as “outside noise”. For Bellingham, it was not about anger or bitterness. It was about control.

“I know the truth,” he added. “I know what really goes on in my personal life. I know what I give to the game and to this team.”

Champions League Relief After a Turbulent Madrid Fortnight

This emphatic Champions League victory could hardly have come at a better time for Real Madrid. The club has endured a restless couple of weeks, both on and off the pitch, following the departure of Xabi Alonso and a string of uneven performances.

Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge, a blow that deepened unease among supporters. Even a routine 2-0 La Liga win over Levante was accompanied by whistles from the home crowd — an unusual sound for players accustomed to adoration.

Against Monaco, however, the mood shifted. The performance was authoritative from the first whistle, and the players responded with a display that reminded everyone of Madrid’s enduring European pedigree.

Kylian Mbappé led the way with a ruthless first-half brace, punishing his former Ligue 1 rivals. Franco Mastantuono added a moment of youthful brilliance, while Vinícius Júnior’s pace and flair stretched Monaco beyond their limits. A Thilo Kehrer own goal compounded the visitors’ misery, and although Jordan Teze briefly pulled one back, Bellingham’s late strike completed the 6-1 demolition.

This was Real Madrid at ease — confident, aggressive and composed.

‘Outside Noise’ and the Spotlight on Bellingham

Despite his performances, Bellingham has found himself at the centre of unwanted attention in recent days. Criticism of Madrid’s inconsistent season spilled over into personal territory when Spanish YouTuber AuronPlay made unsubstantiated claims about the midfielder’s lifestyle.

“There’s not a single nightclub in Spain that Jude Bellingham hasn’t visited,” AuronPlay said, accusing him of excessive drinking and partying.

The remarks spread quickly online, fuelled by clips and headlines rather than evidence. While Bellingham was indeed seen in Ibiza during the off-season — hardly unusual for a young footballer on holiday — there is little to support the narrative painted by his critics.

Bellingham’s response, though, was telling. He did not rage. He did not threaten. He did not retreat.

Instead, he laughed it off.

“There’s two ways you can take it,” he said. “You can cry about it and moan, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it.”

That attitude has defined much of Bellingham’s rise. At Borussia Dortmund, he matured beyond his years. At Real Madrid, he has embraced pressure as part of the privilege.

Respect for Fans, Even the Critical Ones

Perhaps most striking was Bellingham’s understanding of the fans who have voiced frustration in recent weeks. Rather than dismissing them, he acknowledged their right to judge.

“I’ve always said the fans pay their money, work all week and save up to come to Real Madrid games,” he explained. “They’re entitled to say what they want.”

It is a mature stance — one that reflects his growing leadership role within the squad. Bellingham knows that wearing the white shirt brings scrutiny as well as support. Delivering performances like the one against Monaco, he believes, is the best way to respond.

“This is the kind of performance we have to give more often for our fans,” he said.

Real Madrid’s Champions League Path Clears

Beyond the headlines and celebrations, the result carries significant weight for Madrid’s European campaign. The victory lifts them to second place in the Champions League league-phase table, putting them in a strong position to secure a top-eight finish and avoid an additional knockout round.

Their final league-phase fixture comes away at Benfica next week — a tricky assignment, but one Madrid will approach with renewed confidence after this display.

There is optimism again around the squad, and performances like this help steady a season that has threatened to drift.

La Liga Still Very Much Alive

Domestically, Real Madrid’s ambitions remain firmly intact. They sit just one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race and could climb to the summit on Saturday with victory over Villarreal.

The pressure, once again, is on. Barcelona host Real Oviedo on Sunday, and the title picture could shift quickly. For Madrid, momentum matters — and Champions League nights like this often have a habit of carrying over into domestic form.

Bellingham’s Message Was Simple

In the end, Jude Bellingham’s “drinking celebration” was less about provocation and more about perspective. It was a reminder that not every accusation deserves outrage, and not every criticism requires defence.

Sometimes, a smile — and a goal — says enough.

On a night when Real Madrid rediscovered their rhythm in Europe, Bellingham reminded everyone why he is one of the club’s most important figures. Calm under pressure, confident in himself, and willing to let his football do the talking.

He knows the truth. And for now, that seems more than enough.