Héctor Bellerín: Football's Social Responsibility

Héctor Bellerín expressed deep frustration regarding football's inaction on the war in Gaza/Palestine. He highlighted the sport's immense power, noting that individual voices pale in comparison to what La Liga or major Spanish clubs could achieve. This perceived silence is incredibly disheartening for him. Bellerín clarified that his diverse interests—reading, writing, and fashion—are simply him being authentic. He always embraced what he loved, from football to unique dressing styles, even growing up around sewing machines. While acknowledging male stereotypes and memes, he views them as a double-edged sword. He finds himself constantly labeled—the "footballer who reads," "environmentalist," or "fashionista"—despite these being long-held interests. Bellerín feels tired of being pigeonholed, emphasizing that he's simply a person who changes and learns. He resists any single "ism" label. Bellerín actively tries to distance himself from the "constant noise" of social media, comparing engaging with it to an unhealthy addiction. He notes that while these platforms are designed for interaction, he minimizes use to avoid letting negativity ruin his day. This helps him stay focused. Despite the online "hell," Bellerín confirms that nearly all real-world interactions are positive. He notes a stark contrast between social media vitriol and the genuine, in-person respect he receives. While players like Borja Iglesias, Aitor Ruibal, and he get much love, he's also faced unimaginable online abuse. He revealed receiving numerous death threats online, a chilling reality despite the digital disconnect. Bellerín described football stadiums as a modern "Roman theatre" where fans, often facing stressful lives, project their frustrations. This environment allows for highly visceral reactions. Bellerín observed that stadiums often permit behavior unacceptable in public, attributing this to historical norms. He lamented that football's immense power is primarily used for economic gain, neglecting crucial social issues. This includes the sport's lack of action regarding the conflict in Gaza. He argued that true unity and social responsibility are absent in men's football dressing rooms due to a lack of awareness. Many privileged players, living in a bubble from a young age, struggle to connect with outside realities. Bellerín feels fortunate to bridge this gap, maintaining friendships beyond the sport. Bellerín notes a hierarchical view where fans idolize players, creating distance and distrust. He consciously strives to break this cycle by engaging with everyday life and desiring to be seen as an ordinary person. This lack of connection prevents mutual understanding and awareness. He stressed the urgent need for better education in football, contrasting it with the NBA's requirement for a university degree. Unlike the NBA, football often encourages young players to abandon studies at 16, focusing solely on the sport. Bellerín criticized the "super-neoliberal" values of "respect" and "sacrifice," advocating for less individualistic principles suitable for a team sport. Bellerín highlighted that LGBTQ+ individuals often feel unsafe and unrepresented in men's football stadiums. He recounted friends refusing match invitations due to fear, a sentiment he fully understands. This hostile environment also discourages some parents from bringing their children, fearing negative influences. He emphasized the need for more open conversations in football dressing rooms. Bellerín pointed out the glaring lack of diversity, citing few women in coaching, no black referees, and an absence of openly gay players. He suggests this absence is often due to uncomfortable or unwelcoming environments. Football, he concludes, lags behind other industries in these areas. HectorBellerin LaLiga FootballCulture SocialResponsibility PlayerVoice