After a spectacular first season at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham experienced a second, more complicated exercise, linked in particular to his repositioning a notch lower in midfield. At the start of the 2025-2026 season, the England international played parts of matches after returning from shoulder surgery. Complicated weeks, and private news has just been added: the separation of his parents.
This Monday, the Dailymail claimed that Denise and Mark Bellingham were separated for good. The English media recalled that the couple had lived in different countries for many years, they who also manage the careers of their sons, Jude and Jobe. Initially the family lived in the West Midlands. Jude left for Borussia Dortmund then Real Madrid, while Jobe was still playing in England before also moving to BvB, choices were made.
Denise and Mark stopped their jobs to devote themselves to managing the careers of their footballer sons. The mother took care of Jude while the father stayed with Jobe. Time and distance have finally done their sad work. THE
Dailymail said the first divorce rumors emerged last week when photos surfaced showing the couple sitting separately during Dortmund's Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao.
Separation announced in the Bellingham family
The father would not have spoken to the mother, only speaking with a close relative of the family. The outlet then cited sources close to the couple who confirmed that Mark had become close to a certain Shelley Punshon, a member of the West Mercia Police, in England. The latter is a divorced woman, mother of two children. Whatever happens, Borussia Dortmund is now worried about the possible consequences on the mentality of Jobe Bellingham, who is very close to his mother.
It remains to be seen how things will evolve. Until now, Mark Bellingham played the role of agent, negotiating his sons' transfers, salary and partnerships. As for Denise Bellingham, she is the one who takes care of her children's financial affairs. The couple finally runs a series of companies that they created together.
