The Bellingham family’s display of togetherness was not particularly noticeable.
At a recent game in Borussia Dortmund’s stadium, Mark and Denise, the parents of football talents Jude and Jobe, were seen seated separately.
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A report from a German publication mentioned a “dangerously tense atmosphere,” noting that Mark, 49, and Denise, 57, kept their interactions minimal while observing Jobe play.
It seems the source of this tension is becoming more apparent.
A Facebook image surfaced showing Mark, a former police officer, with his arm draped around Shelley Punshon, a detective constable with West Mercia police, as they walked along a wooded path.
This photo was shared by Shelley, a divorced mother of two.
Comments featured heart emojis, with one observer writing: “Lovely couple xx.”
Shelley, hailing from Stourbridge in the West Midlands—where the Bellingham family raised their children—mentioned they would be “off to Santorini soon.”
‘Jobe is struggling’
Reports of a divide between Denise and Mark, coupled with Mark’s link to Shelley, emerged shortly after Jude, 22, appeared more infatuated than ever with his girlfriend, model and influencer Ashlyn Castro.
The couple openly declared their love during a romantic escape in Sardinia, much to the displeasure of locals.
While Mark and Denise have been applauded for their contributions to their sons’ successes, these recent events arise during a trying period for the young athletes.
Jude, a pivotal midfielder for Real Madrid and an important player for England, encountered a setback this week when he was omitted by Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel for a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Jude Bellingham enjoys quality time with his mother away from the football field
Tuchel’s relationship with Bellingham has come under fire following his disclosure that Jude’s mother, Gabriele, considers her son’s fiery temperament “repulsive.” This statement followed an incident where Jude kicked a water cooler after England’s loss to Senegal.
Tuchel elaborated, stating Jude’s intensity can sometimes intimidate his teammates.
He noted, “I think he adds an edge, which we appreciate. However, that intensity should be focused on the opposition, rather than scaring teammates or being unduly aggressive towards officials.”
“He has a distinctive intensity that can elicit mixed emotions. I understand this from my mother, who occasionally has difficulty recognizing the well-mannered son I see.”
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Conversely, Jobe, 20, has yet to complete a full 90-minute match in a league game this season for Dortmund.
A source in Germany reportedly stated: “Management is aware that Jobe is facing personal challenges.”
“He appears to be struggling with team dynamics, often isolating himself in Dortmund, and expressing feelings of loneliness at home.”
“The family tension is influencing his performance on the field.”
“At a recent game they attended, the parents arrived and departed separately, not exchanging a word.”
“Concerns are rising that Jobe feels quite insecure amid the ongoing situation.”
“That non-league style of grit and determination is mirrored in my game, and I believe that stems from watching my dad play,”
Jude Bellingham
Regardless of the validity behind these claims, it’s clear that both Mark and Denise have been instrumental in their sons’ accomplishments.
Mark, a former prolific non-league striker, now acts as their agent, expertly managing transfers, salaries, and lucrative endorsements.
On the other hand, Denise, with her background in human resources, takes care of the financial management of their careers.
Mark stirred controversy—and drew criticism from England World Cup icon Sir Geoff Hurst—when he confronted Dortmund officials after Jobe was substituted at half-time during an August match.
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Reports suggest that Mark lingered in the tunnel after the match to have an “emotional” conversation with sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
Following this, Dortmund’s managing director, Lars Ricken, remarked that Mark and Kehl “had an emotional conversation,” which “is not problematic at all,” given their relationship.
However, post this interaction, Dortmund has restricted all family members from accessing the tunnel.
Sir Geoff expressed his sentiments, criticizing the portrayal of Mark as “the most powerful man in English football” in a press image, highlighting that Mark’s complaints about his son’s substitution were inappropriate. “If such behavior isn’t addressed, it’s an utter disgrace.”
Journalists from the UK have noted experiencing Mark’s sharp responses even when simply inquiring about his sons.
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Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that alongside Denise, the former West Midlands Police sergeant has adeptly navigated his sons’ careers.
This journey began on muddy, rain-drenched pitches in England, far from the illustrious settings of Wembley and Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium.
Under Denise’s careful watch, Jude and Jobe honed their skills while observing their father play across numerous challenging venues, from Southend to Sutton Coldfield.
Having played for around 15 different clubs, including Bromsgrove Rovers and Stourbridge, Mark humbly described himself as “not very good.”
At the peak of his career, he earned roughly £200 a week, a sum that both his sons can now earn in mere moments.
Jude once reminisced about a nostalgic image of himself being embraced by his father after a match for Southend’s Catholic United.
He remarked, “Watching him play nurtured my love for football.”
“My mum keeps me grounded every single day, and handles almost everything for me.”
Jude Bellingham
“That non-league toughness and resilience is evident in my style of play, which I credit to watching my dad—even if he never tackled!”
Born in 2003, Jude was joined by Jobe two years later, both polishing their abilities on a patch of grass outside their home in Hagley, near Stourbridge.
Former West Bromwich Albion winger Gary Hackett, who later managed Mark at Stourbridge, fondly recalled the two brothers playing in a local park.
He shared, “Even outside training sessions, they’d be running around and kicking a ball—it was clear they had an undeniable passion for football.”
“Their natural athleticism was on full display—they showcased speed and exceptional technical skills.”
Their parents ensured the boys joined Birmingham City’s academy, where their talents thrived.
Both eventually progressed to play for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
When Jude relocated to Germany in 2020, Denise was right by his side.
‘Mum is the queen’
Meanwhile, Mark, still serving at the time, remained in England to support Jobe.
Jude expressed, “My mum keeps me grounded each day; she does almost everything for me.”
In 2023, Jude visited Real Madrid’s training facility where he’s gained acclaim.
Mum Denise shuttled him to and from the expansive site. Jude openly stated: “My mum is the queen, the boss.”
Just before the 2022 Qatar World Cup commenced, Mark resigned from the West Midlands Police, tweeting: “As of midnight, I stepped down after over 24 years of service. Cops aren’t flawless, but they strive to do their best under difficult conditions.”
Photographs captured Mark and Denise beaming with pride from the stands as Jude donned the England jersey. Their sons’ triumphs had indeed been a collective family endeavor.
However, Jude and Jobe’s careers have often placed Denise and Mark in different countries for the past five years.
Now, if the rumors are true, the couple’s two-decade marriage may be experiencing turbulent times.
Yet, it’s clear that both young men they nurtured will continue to thrive.
