Real Madrid midfielder warned about being too intense on the field: ‘What he did is a sending-off offence’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has had a decent start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, impressing in the opening game against Croatia.

He had a difficult outing against Ghana, much like the rest of the Three Lions, but it was his intensity that attracted a lot of attention.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Bellingham has come under scrutiny after incidents during England’s match against Ghana, including one moment when he covered his mouth while speaking to an opponent despite FIFA’s stricter rules on such behaviour.

Former England defender Kyle Walker has opened up on the issue, wherein he accepted that the Real Madrid star needs to be careful, but he also insisted that Bellingham’s intensity is part of what makes him special.

He said: “What he did is a sending-off offence, and he has to be careful. It is something normal that players do, but everyone has to keep the new rules in mind.”

Bellingham plays on the edge

Walker also referred to Bellingham’s exchange with the Ghana bench, saying:

“He also had a small altercation with the Ghana bench, but you cannot take that bite away from Jude. He has that way of playing on the edge and that is what makes him such an exceptional player.”

Bellingham warned about being too intense on the field. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The key with Bellingham is balance. His intensity is not an issue. It is central to his game. He presses, argues, drives forward, demands more and often gives Madrid emotional leadership in matches that feel tense or messy.

International tournaments are stricter, referees are under pressure, and one avoidable red card can damage a team’s entire campaign.

Walker continued by describing the incident: “After pushing Jerome Opoku in front of the bench, he covered his mouth with his right hand to very clearly address Ayew.”

The Honduran referee, Said Martinez, didn’t send Bellingham off, nor did VAR indicate that he was making a mistake, especially given the recent expulsion of Miguel Almiron, who received a straight red card against Turkey for the first time in history under the ‘Prestiani Law.’

Bellingham could have been sent off vs Ghana. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Madrid and England need his edge, not the risk

Walker finished with a fair assessment of Bellingham’s personality and level.

“Bellingham plays with his heart on his sleeve, but he needs to be calculating with his head. He cannot go that far,” he added.

“But it seems people have the wrong idea about Jude. I can assure you that in the team he is a class example. And he is at Real Madrid for a reason: he is a top-level player.”

Bellingham is not at the Bernabeu by accident. He has the quality, mentality and presence of a player built for the biggest stages.

Still, Walker’s warning should not be dismissed. Bellingham does not need to lose his intensity, but he does need to control it better.

England will hope that Bellingham can be calmer and contribute more on the pitch in the coming games.