Have a look at the meaning of the new wolf celebration of Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal and was named man of the match as England launched their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory over Serbia.
The Real Madrid star, fresh from winning the Champions League just over two weeks ago, excelled both on and off the ball.
However, it was his goal celebration “Wolf,” that drew significant attention.
Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold new ‘Wolf’ Euro 2024 celebration meaning and origin explained
Bellingham and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold knelt facing each other, resting their right elbows on their thighs and covering their faces with their right hands.
While their England teammates returned to their half after celebrating Bellingham’s goal, the duo stayed in what is likely to become a signature pose.
Jude Bellingham ✖️ Trent Alexander-Arnold. 🫳🏻 pic.twitter.com/cBhPTfJ4aG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2024
It’s well known that Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold share a close friendship, often spending time together during England duty.
They were even recorded performing a secret handshake during a training session before the Serbia match.
Liverpool had hoped this bond might persuade Bellingham to join them after his departure from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but he opted for Real Madrid instead.
Bellingham’s Celebration Meaning & Inspiration
The celebration originated from Werewolf, a card game played among the England squad. A group of players and staff, calling themselves the ‘Wolf Crew,’ are regular participants, with Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold being active members.
“When we play ‘Wolf,’ one of the staff covers his face like that when he’s confused,” Bellingham told the media after England’s 1-0 win. “That was a little joint celebration for the Wolf Crew.”
Later, in a UEFA press conference, he added “It was a celebration for the backroom staff, who work tirelessly every day.
“They don’t get to experience the moments we have on the pitch, but we value them immensely. Keeping that atmosphere is important.”
"A celebration for the backroom staff" ✨
Jude Bellingham explains the meaning behind his celebration after he scored England's winning goal against Serbia 🏴 pic.twitter.com/OUuH5tFWuP
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 17, 2024
About ‘Werewolf’ Game
Also known as ‘Wolf,’ it’s a card game popular among England squads at recent tournaments, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Originating from the 1986 game ‘Mafia’ by Russian psychology student Dimitry Davidoff, Werewolf involves role-playing and deception, with a small informed group (the wolves) pitted against the majority (the villagers).
A moderator, who protects the identities of the werewolf and the seer, oversees the game. The villagers’ goal is to identify the wolves, while the wolves must lie and convince others they are not wolves.
Harry Kane, during the 2022 World Cup, explained, “When you get the wolf card, you have to lie, and it’s not easy. I’m better as a villager than a wolf—some are much better at deceiving people.”
Kane noted in Qatar that “about 16 or 17 of us play Wolf. It’s a great way to pass the time.”
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