Bellingham hits back at Valencia players’ Ballon d’Or taunt

Jude Bellingham showed his combative side during Real Madrid’s meeting with Valencia at Mestalla, responding directly after Pablo Maffeo and Pepelu appeared to provoke him with a sarcastic remark about the Ballon d’Or.

The England midfielder became involved in a verbal exchange with the Valencia pair during a tense encounter at the stadium, where the home supporters’ reaction to individual awards also extended to Kylian Mbappe.

Footage captured by Movistar’s El Dia Despues showed Bellingham answering Maffeo and Pepelu after what was described as a provocative joke about the Ballon d’Or.

“Ballon d’Or? I don’t care about the Ballon d’Or. Do you give it out?” Bellingham was heard saying.

Marca described the Real Madrid player as someone who does not shy away from confrontations on the pitch and said he displayed the personality required to deal with the various provocations he faced at Mestalla.

“Jude Bellingham is an impulsive footballer who does not hesitate to confront the different situations that can arise on the pitch,” the newspaper reported. “In the Mestalla match, where tension is usually evident, the England player was one of the standout performers and showed the character needed to respond to the different provocations he encountered during the game.”

Real Madrid continued their winning run at Mestalla, with Bellingham again playing a prominent role for the Spanish club.

Mbappe was also targeted by Valencia supporters, who directed the chant: “Beach ball! Mbappe, beach ball!”

The France striker responded with a sarcastic smile, appearing to acknowledge the provocation from the stands. Unlike Mbappe, who reacted without a direct exchange, Bellingham chose to answer Maffeo and Pepelu himself.

The incident added to the friction during a match in which Bellingham was again among Real Madrid’s most influential players, while the focus on the Ballon d’Or provided the backdrop to exchanges between the visitors and Valencia’s players and supporters.