Jude Bellingham was left devastated as Borussia Dortmund narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich on goal difference. Despite being reduced to the role of water carrier as a non-playing sub due to a knee injury, Bellingham was seen shoving a camera out of the way as he struggled to come to terms with the loss. The England midfielder wiped his face with his shirt and shook his head as if pleading for a private moment. While many observers sympathized with the 19-year-old, some trolls suggested that he was already thinking of his next destination. Dortmund had started the day two points clear of Bayern but were soon 2-0 down, while Thomas Tuchel’s men went top by leading 1-0 at Koln. Although Dejan Ljubicic’s late penalty equalizer for Koln briefly returned Dortmund to the summit, Jamal Musiala clinched a 2-1 victory for Bayern in the 89th minute. Dortmund needed two goals in a frantic finale against Mainz, but Niklas Sule’s equalizer six minutes into stoppage time was not enough to secure the win they needed. As Bellingham went on the pitch to thank fans afterwards, his forlorn wave was interpreted by some as a sign of his imminent departure from Dortmund.
“Gutten Bellingham pushes camera away as waterboy”
Wirtz Reflects on Goal Controversy and Liverpool’s Need for Improvement After Fulham Draw
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool’s Identity Crisis: Arne Slot Stands Firm on Unchanged Football Philosophy
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jamie Carragher Shares Thoughts on Chelsea’s Choice of Liam Rosenior as Manager
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville Share Insights on Chelsea's...
Liverpool’s Unfinished Business: A Draw Against Fulham Highlights Underlying Issues
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker reacts to conceeding his side's second and the equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Matheus Cunha Addresses Man Utd’s Future Amid Leeds Draw
Matheus Cunha Urges Teammate to Fight for Future at...
Gary Neville’s Bold Claim: Chelsea’s £54m Star Won’t Reach Eden Hazard’s Level
Gary Neville’s Critique of Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca: A Comparison...
High-Stakes Sports Showdown: NFL Playoffs, AFCON Action, and College Football Semifinals This Week
The Athletic's live coverage this week includes the start of the NFL playoffs and the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
Wirtz Reflects on Goal Controversy and Liverpool’s Need for Improvement After Fulham Draw
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Thomas Frank Faces Growing Frustration as Tottenham Hotspur Struggles to Find Form
Struggling head coach Thomas Frank is trapped in a gilded cage at joyless Tottenham Hotspur, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
Paul Merson Warns Arsenal Star May Jeopardize Mikel Arteta’s Title Hopes
Paul Merson's Concerns for Arsenal's Title Charge As the Premier...