Euro 2024: Bellingham explains 'who else' celebration after Slovakia equalizer

Euro 2024: Bellingham explains 'who else' celebration after Slovakia equalizer

Eric Munene 21:00 - 01.07.2024

Bellingham scored an overhead kick in injury time to save England and celebrated by shouting 'who else?'

In a moment that encapsulated the highs and lows of international football, Jude Bellingham's impassioned celebration after England's triumph resonated deeply with fans and pundits alike.

As he spoke to the media in the aftermath, his words painted a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with representing one's nation on the grand stage.

"Why the 'Who Else'?" Bellingham questioned, his voice carrying the weight of adrenaline-fueled victory. For the young midfielder, playing for England is more than just a game; it's a complex blend of joy and pressure.

He candidly acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with the territory, lamenting the challenge of speaking openly in press conferences where every word is dissected and judged.

"It’s very difficult when you talk in press conferences and interviews, to talk as openly as footballers want to because they’re always judged," he explained. Yet, for Bellingham, football itself is a sanctuary—a place where he finds release. "For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release," he confessed.

His celebration, characterized by unbridled joy and perhaps a hint of defiance, was more than just a reaction to scoring in a crucial match. "Maybe it was a message to a few people," he hinted.

The outpouring of emotion was a testament to the intense pressure he and his teammates face, particularly in knockout football where the stakes are highest.

"In international football, in knockout football, it’s an even worse feeling, because you’re 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down," Bellingham reflected. It's a sentiment shared by many who understand the razor-thin margins between success and disappointment in such competitions.

"In one kick of the ball, everything can change," he concluded, capturing the fragility and unpredictability that define the sport at its pinnacle.

His words serve as a poignant reminder of the emotional investment and sheer determination required to compete at the highest level.

For him, each match is not just a game but a chance to prove himself and deliver moments that transcend the pitch—a sentiment that reverberates through every kick, every celebration, and every heartfelt word spoken in its aftermath.