Hector Bellerin is receiving high praise for this interview on social issues

The right-back addressed pollution, mental health and more in his Real Talk interview with Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin might be a young footballer at just 23, but he’s not afraid to speak his mind on matters football-related or otherwise.

The 23-year-old Arsenal and Spain full-back participated in a Real Talk interview with his club ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Fulham on Sunday, covering a number of social issues including the role of footballers in the global conversation.

“As footballers we have a massive platform that we should be using way more than we actually are,” said Bellerin.

“I know it’s very comfortable to sit at home and stay with your family, kids and friends and not worry about anything. But with the platform we have we should be the people that scream at the social issues and put them out there so as a society we can move forward.”

PA photo

Bellerin touched on the environment, mental health and world leadership in the wide-ranging chat, and suggested the views of young people were not being represented by all of those in charge.

“It feels that while the young people are trying to fight for a world where there’s equality, everyone’s the same, everyone’s helping each other, we want to take care of the planet… it seems like the people that are ruling and are being presidents right now want to do it the other way round.

“They want to separate people, they want to make even more damage on this earth while we’re trying to make it better.”

Bellerin’s interview went down very well among fans, with Arsenal supporters showing their pride.

Many recognised the importance of a footballer like Bellerin commenting on matters beyond football, rather than sticking to issues surrounding their own sport.

It’s clear that in Bellerin’s opinion the role of a right-back goes far beyond patrolling the flank.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns opened their head coach search on Thursday by interviewing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

General manager Andrew Berry had said he would consider both coordinators for the opening. The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski on Monday after six seasons and a 36-58 overall mark. Stefanski was a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year, but Cleveland had a 8-26 mark the past two seasons.

Schwartz, 59, has head coaching experience, leading the Detroit Lions from 2009 through 2013. He had a 29-52 overall record and led the Lions to the playoffs in 2011, three seasons after they were the first NFL team to go 0-16.

Schwartz has been the architect of one of the league's top defenses the last three seasons. Cleveland led the league in total defense in 2023 and ranked fourth this season as Myles Garrett recorded 23 sacks and broke the NFL single-season record.

“Jim’s an outstanding football coach. We have a lot of respect for him, a lot of appreciation for him, and he has certainly earned the right for consideration,” Berry said.

Safety Grant Delpit and other defensive players are hoping Schwartz will remain, either as head coach or coordinator.

“I think it goes without saying what kind of coach he is and the energy he brings. I think coach Schwartz is going to be a great, still-got-it type of head coach. He’s a fiery guy and I’d vouch for him,” Delpit said. “I think that he’s taken our defense and brought it to an elite level and kept it there.”

Rees came to Cleveland in 2024 as tight ends coach and pass game specialist before being promoted to offensive coordinator this season. He had play-calling responsibilities for the final nine games and was credited along with quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave for Shedeur Sanders' development during his seven games as the starter.

Rees was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama in 2023 under Nick Saban after six seasons at Notre Dame. He was quarterbacks coach at his alma mater from 2017-22 and added offensive coordinator duties in 2020.

“He’s a very talented young coordinator. He’s held in very high regard, not just in college football, but across the NFL,” Berry said.

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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks about the firing of former head coach Kevin Stefanski during a news conference at the Browns training facility, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Phil Long)