Jude Bellingham’s relationship with Ashlyn Castro, which reportedly began in 2024 after the pair met on the exclusive dating app Raya, has evolved into a notable story both on and off the pitch. Initially, there was some hesitation from Bellingham’s mother, Denise, and father, Mark, regarding Ashlyn’s background as an influencer and her lifestyle in Los Angeles, contrasting sharply with the footballer’s upbringing in Stourbridge, West Midlands.
Sources close to the England squad revealed that concerns centered around the perceived risks of Ashlyn leveraging Jude’s rising football career for personal gain. Denise and Mark, having dedicated much of their lives to supporting Jude and his brother Jobe’s football ambitions, were cautious about new influences. However, Ashlyn has since solidified her place within the family, attending England’s World Cup matches beside Denise and supporting Jude during his appearances for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A key factor in the strengthening relationship between Denise and Ashlyn is the latter’s strained relationship with her own mother, Tina-Marie Young, who remains publicly critical of Ashlyn through TikTok despite their estrangement. Tina-Marie has claimed that Ashlyn left her in difficult circumstances, including living in a homeless shelter, allegations Ashlyn disputes while attributing her mother’s accusations to untreated schizophrenia. Ashlyn’s late father, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, had been a close figure in her life.
Denise Bellingham is described by insiders as a fiercely protective and devoted mother who has navigated significant challenges to facilitate her sons’ success. Her support for Ashlyn amid familial tensions has brought the two women closer. Ashlyn, in turn, has been a steady presence for Denise as she adjusts to single life after separating from Mark Bellingham, ending a 20-year marriage that spanned various countries due to their sons’ football careers. Denise relocated to Spain with Jude, while Mark moved to Germany to be near Jobe, who plays for Borussia Dortmund.
At 28, Ashlyn is somewhat older than Jude, who turned 23 recently. This age difference appears unremarkable within a family accustomed to age gaps in relationships. Ashlyn spends much of her time at Jude’s £7 million residence in the upscale La Finca enclave in Madrid, where Denise also lives. Friends familiar with the couple characterize their relationship as genuine, highlighting Jude’s affectionate public references to Ashlyn and her praise of his character.
Despite this, Ashlyn has faced scrutiny and online hostility from some of Jude’s fans, who have accused her of being a gold digger and questioned her age—claims she has firmly denied as disrespectful and false. Industry observers note that the intense spotlight surrounding relationships of high-profile young athletes often attracts unwarranted negative attention.
As World Cup 2026 unfolds, Ashlyn has fully embraced her role within the England WAG community. Sources close to the couple speculate that the relationship is moving toward a deeper commitment, with the possibility of marriage imminent. The bond between Ashlyn and Denise is seen as a positive foundation should wedding plans materialize.