The hottest property in world soccer right now? For more than one reason, the name on your lips right now should be Jude Bellingham.
Not yet 21 years old, the midfielder was an integral part of Real Madrid’s LaLiga and Champions League-winning side in his debut season with the Spanish giants.
Bellingham recently picked up the Laureus World Sports Breakthrough Award and is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or, arguably the game’s top individual honor.
He’s already won 29 international caps for England and is key to their Euro 2024 hopes. But if that’s enough to make you sit up and take notice, his latest modeling gig certainly will.
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Bellingham is the latest star name signed up to promote SKIMS, the “shapewear” and clothing brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian.
This week in England, the technically gifted player’s toned physique seemed to be everywhere you looked.
Images from his underwear shoot were on the front pages of several national newspapers and were also prominent on social media.
Outsports clocked several comments online from gay fans who noticed Bellingham’s impressive boxer briefs marketing push and how he is just the latest in a long line of male athletes willingly venturing into thirst trap territory.
From the last 18 months or so, then world no 1 tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz was in “tighty whities” for Calvin Klein in January 2023; Brazil forward Neymar Jr, NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City Thunder and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa featured in SKIMS’ first men’s campaign in October; and out gymnast Sam Phillips signed a deal with PSD Underwear in December.
Meanwhile, other Euro 2024 stars have also been happy to flash the flesh in the build-up to the tournament.
Bellingham’s England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold is the new face of Guess Jeans. The Liverpool attacking right-back, who also has a Champions League title on his CV, looks abs-olutely fabulous (sorry) in the newly released pics.
Leroy Sane came off the bench in Germany’s 5-1 win over Scotland in Munich on Friday night, a resounding victory to kick off the tournament for the hosts.
The Bayern Munich winger is the June cover model for Germany GQ, wearing a loosely revealing red robe.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United and England) was in a similar state of undress during his shoot for the cover of Dazed’s “Ready, Set, Go” issue.
Then there’s Portugal forward Joao Felix going shirtless for Men’s Health in his homeland.
None of this is going unnoticed by gay supporters of men’s soccer and it’s even more welcome when you consider there isn’t expected to be much recognition of Pride Month compared to the previous men’s European Championship three years ago.
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And for fans of Bellingham in particular, seeing his profile grow even further is another reason to enjoy the action this summer.