Reports emerging from the UK claim that the parents of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham have separated after more than 20 years together.

Mark Bellingham, 49, and Denise, 57, are well known to football fans as the supportive parents who helped shape the careers of Jude and his younger brother Jobe Bellingham, currently playing for Borussia Dortmund.

However, fresh reports suggest the couple have quietly gone their separate ways. Images published online show Mark appearing close to Shelley Punshon, a West Mercia police officer, fuelling speculation that the longtime couple are no longer together.

Earlier this month, German outlet Bild sparked rumours of tension after spotting Jude’s parents sitting apart during Jobe’s match against Athletic Bilbao. They were said to have avoided speaking to each other, with Mark seen talking mainly to another family member seated between them.

Growing Distance Over the Years

The signs of separation reportedly began nearly five years ago. When Jude moved to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund, his mother Denise relocated with him for support, while Mark stayed in the UK to guide Jobe’s early career at Birmingham City.

As Jude made a high-profile switch to Real Madrid and Jobe later moved to Dortmund, their parents split time between Spain, Germany, and the UK, further fueling speculation about their relationship status.

New Images Spark Fresh Talk

New photos shared on social media by Shelley Punshon reportedly showed her alongside Mark during a woodland walk, with his arm around her. The images have since been deleted, but not before raising eyebrows among fans.

It remains unknown when Denise and Mark officially ended their relationship.

Their Crucial Role in Jude’s Rise

Despite the personal developments, both parents are credited with playing massive roles in Jude’s football journey. Jude once said:

“Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs… She’s probably had the biggest role, even more than my coaches.”

Mark, a former police sergeant and prolific non-league footballer with over 700 career goals, also acted as an agent to his sons.

Earlier this season, Mark reportedly clashed with Borussia Dortmund officials after Jobe was subbed off at halftime, leading to the club restricting family access to dressing rooms.

Bellingham Brothers Facing Tough Moments

While Jude continues his recovery from shoulder surgery and was recently left out of the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, German media claim that the tension around the family may be affecting Jobe’s performances at Dortmund.