Jude Bellingham’s parents reportedly separate after over 20 years together

Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham’s parents, Mark and Denise, have reportedly split after more than two decades of marriage.

The couple, who raised Jude, 22, and his younger brother Jobe, 20, in Stourbridge, near Birmingham, have long been credited for the key role they played in their sons’ football careers.

However, SunSport now suggest they have gone their separate ways, with Mark Bellingham, 49, growing close to West Mercia police officer Shelley Punshon.

Reports point to growing distance between the couple

According to the Mail, photos posted on social media in August showed Mark and Shelley together on a woodland path, smiling as he draped an arm around her.

The images have since been deleted from her public Facebook account.

Speculation about the couple’s relationship surfaced earlier when German outlet Bild noted that Mark and Denise sat apart during one of Jobe’s matches for Borussia Dortmund against Athletic Bilbao, reportedly avoiding conversation.

The tension reportedly stems from years of living apart, with Denise relocating to Germany to support Jude’s career at Borussia Dortmund, while Mark stayed in England to guide Jobe, who was then at Birmingham City.

Parents’ sacrifice credited for sons’ success

Despite the reported separation, both parents have been instrumental in shaping the careers of their sons, who now play in Spain and Germany respectively.

Jude has frequently expressed deep appreciation for his mother, calling her his emotional anchor.

“Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs. I stay humble because I’ve got her around,” he told The Guardian.

“She’s a great laugh as well. The role my mum is playing is massive, probably the biggest of anyone.”

His father, a former police sergeant and prolific non-league striker credited with scoring over 700 career goals, also played a key role in sparking Jude’s passion for football.

“We talk about footballing heroes, my dad was my first,” Jude said in an interview with the FA in 2021.

Family tensions spill into the spotlight

Mark’s involvement in his sons’ careers has occasionally drawn attention. Earlier this season, he was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl after Jobe was substituted at halftime during a match against St. Pauli.

The incident led to the club banning family members from entering the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Jude has also faced professional frustration, missing out on England’s recent international fixtures under Thomas Tuchel as he continues to regain form following shoulder surgery.

The Real Madrid midfielder has played in half of the club’s eight La Liga matches this season but is yet to record a goal or assist.