When Jude Bellingham took to the pitch for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City, all eyes were on the England star.
But off the field, another story was brewing – one that had little to do with football and everything to do with US social media star Ashlyn Castro. The American Instagram model was spotted in Manchester alongside Bellingham’s mother, Denise, 56, as she watched her son in action.
The sighting has set tongues wagging, fuelling further speculation about Castro’s relationship with the 21-year-old footballer. Bellingham first went public with his rumoured girlfriend last month after they stepped out on a lunch date together in Madrid.
The two initially connected in November after reacting to each other’s social media posts. Since then, the pair have reportedly enjoyed several romantic outings. In January, Castro was pictured with Bellingham’s parents while attending Real Madrid’s 5-1 thrashing of RB Salzburg. The model was seen hugging her Denise following the win.
But while Bellingham is one of the biggest names in world football, little is known about the woman at the centre of the latest intrigue. So, who exactly has the Real Madrid star introduced to his mum? Castro, 27, was born in December 1997 in Long Beach, California.
While she may not be a household name in the UK, she has carved out a significant presence on social media. Castro has amassed a strong following with a carefully curated Instagram profile featuring sun-kissed holiday snaps, high-fashion shoots, and glamorous lifestyle content.
She first started posting on Instagram in 2014, initially sharing travel-related content before transitioning into influencer culture. Her profile took off in the late 2010s, partly thanks to her striking looks and high-profile relationships. It didn’t take long before she was rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite.
Castro’s rise to fame wasn’t solely due to her social media presence. Her love life has played a significant role. She first made headlines in 2017 when she was romantically linked to Hollywood A-lister Michael B. Jordan. The Black Panther and Creed actor was one of the most sought-after men in Hollywood, and when he and Castro were spotted together, fans quickly took notice.
The pair were seen looking cosy at a private event in Los Angeles, with images circulating online showing Castro sitting on Jordan’s lap. Reports suggested they had spent New Year’s Eve together, adding to speculation that the relationship was serious. However, by late 2018, the romance fizzled out, and the two quietly went their separate ways.
Following her split from Jordan, Castro continued to move in celebrity circles. She was later linked to Atlanta Hawks basketball star Terence Mann, and rumours circulated on social media that she had been unfaithful, allegedly with Bellingham. The claims sparked an online frenzy, but the NBA star quickly shut down the speculation, branding it “crazy” and denying any wrongdoing on her part.
“Ashlyn is cool, people,” Mann said. “I don’t know why everybody is on her head about anything. She’s cool. Me and Ash are cool.” He added that he was certain Castro was not unfaithful and that people should “calm that narrative down”.
But Castro’s sighting alongside Bellingham’s mother on Tuesday night in Manchester has sent speculation into overdrive. The two women were seen together during Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown against Manchester City, indicating the American has been introduced to the midfielder’s inner circle.
While neither Bellingham nor Castro have publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, the influencer’s presence in Manchester has raised eyebrows. Some sources close to the footballer suggest that the pair have been quietly seeing each other for some time, though the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Adding to the intrigue, reports have surfaced suggesting that despite introducing Castro to his family, Bellingham up until a few days ago still had an active profile on the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya. It led to speculation that while the two may be close, the England footballer is still keeping his options open.
Bellingham was linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk last year, though she last month described herself as “single.” Many believed the pair to be in a relationship but never went public. They prompted rumours following a publicity stunt orchestrated by an opportunistic executive at Manchester-based clothing company Pretty Little Thing, where Ms Valk is a model. Castro, meanwhile, remains an influential figure on social media.
A source told the Mirror: “What is certain is that Ashlyn knows how to navigate the limelight. With several years of experience in the world of A-listers, she understands how to maintain intrigue while keeping her private life private. Whether she becomes a permanent fixture in Jude’s world or fades into the background remains to be seen. But for now, the only certainty is that wherever Ashlyn goes, attention follows.”
Castro continues to share carefully curated content with her followers, offering glimpses into her jet-set lifestyle. However, unlike many influencers, Castro tends to keep the details of her personal life relatively private. While she engages with fans, she rarely addresses rumours directly, preferring to let the speculation swirl without confirming or denying anything outright.
With her newfound association with Bellingham, the American finds herself again at the centre of media attention. Fans and pundits are already weighing in on her presence in Bellingham’s life, with some questioning whether the relationship is serious and others simply curious about the woman who has seemingly captured his attention.
Bellingham himself has remained silent on the matter, as has his family. However, Castro’s presence alongside his mother suggests that she may be more than a passing acquaintance.
