5 reasons why Hector Bellerin is the perfect ambassador for Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has given a series of interviews in recent days.
The 25-year-old Spaniard may be best known for his role on the pitch but its his variety of interests and endeavours out of football which make him a unique prospect.
Gooner Talk takes a look at five reasons why Bellerin’s rise to prominence in recent years makes him different to other professional footballers.
He cares for people and the environment
Bellerin has previously spoken about why he’s scared for the future of the planet and says footballers have a responsibility to create awareness around environmental issues.
“It’s nice to show what we have – our cars, our watches – but good to send a more meaningful message than ‘look how cool we are’.”
He’s courageous and doesn’t care what people think of him
“So many people Tweet me saying focus on the game, having seen me at fashion shows or whatever, and I am just like ‘don’t worry’. I am a human being. I have passions, I have hobbies but equally, I am a footballer and that is my main focus.”
In a world of footballers who conform to stereotypes of being ‘lazy and ‘overpaid’, Bellerin has never hidden from his passions and showing the world who he wants to be.
Bellerin took to the catwalk in pink when he modelled for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week last year, another example of him breaking unchartered territory for a professional football.
He’s a role model on and off the pitch
He’s spoken on societal issues such as homophobia, anti-abortion law, climate change and much more.
Added to that, Bellerin is an advocate for education and for a player who commands an audience of millions of young people that is a quality which provides inspiration to many.
“I was taught that education is the most important thing. You need a back-up plan. The creative process excites me. As a kid I used to paint for, like, time. My mum bought me some painting things recently. It’s about what makes you happy.”
I wanted to see if anyone from our industry would speak out about the abortion bill, but I guess people are too scared. This isn't just an issue for women, it's one for every human being. We fight for equality and this is something men should fight for and not hide away from.
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) May 17, 2019
He’s a voice of reason
Bellerin remains one of only players in Premier League football and beyond brave enough to take on what he sees as wrong.
He spoke at the Oxford Union a couple of years ago – a major feat itself – and criticised Arsenal fan channel AFTV for profiting from the team’s failures.
“It’s so wrong for someone who claims to be a fan and their success is fed off a failure. How can that be a fan?
“If a coach comes to me and says you’ve done something bad I’m going to take that advice.
“If someone from Arsenal Fan TV says this guy needs to do this or that I’m not going to listen to him.”
He’s more than just a footballer
Unique, passionate, opinionated and a fine player on the pitch. Bellerin possesses everything to become one of the best in his position at right-back, but also outside of the game.
He uses his privileges to voice issues which he believes should be spoken about and shows children that they shouldn’t be deterred from following their passions, regardless of what others think.
