Bellerín messages Xhaka and O'Nien after Betis–Sunderland pre‑season friendly

When Hector Bellerín, full‑back of Real Betis posted a quick Instagram note on Sunday, it instantly reminded fans why football feels like a small‑town gathering. The message was aimed at his former Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka and Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien, both of whom had just shared the pitch in a high‑profile pre‑season friendly on Saturday afternoon.

During the match, Real Betis vs Sunderland AFCStadium of Light, Sunderland, the Spanish side offered a vigorous test for the newly promoted English club. The game ended 2‑1 to Betis, but the scoreline mattered less than the chemistry displayed between Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £17.3 million, and the home side's gritty midfield engine O'Nien.

Match recap: Betis squeezes past Sunderland

From the first whistle, Betis deployed their trademark high‑press, forcing Sunderland into uneven possession. Goal‑scorer Borja Iglesias tucked home a low drive in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse near the back post. Sunderland answered back through a well‑timed header from O'Nien in the 38th minute, sparking a roar that echoed through the stands.

In the second half, Xhaka orchestrated a series of forward passes that exposed the Betis backline, but a late counter‑attack saw Betis winger Álex Pérez slot the winner in the 82nd minute. The final whistle left both managers smiling – Betis proud of a sharp performance, Sunderland pleased to see their marquee signing fitting in quickly.

Bellerín’s Instagram shout‑out

Less than an hour after the match, Bellerín uploaded a short video to his Instagram Stories, captioned “Great night in Sunderland, love seeing the lads fire it up. Welcome back, Granit, and thanks for the warm welcome, Luke!” The post featured a quick clip of Xhaka celebrating a goal and a handshake between O'Nien and Bellerín on the sidelines.

While the message was friendly, it carried symbolic weight. Bellerín and Xhaka shared three seasons together at Arsenal, where Bellerín’s blistering runs on the right flank complemented Xhaka’s deep‑lying playmaking. Their bond was evident in the way Xhaka opened the dressing‑room for the Betis visitors, introducing them to Sunderland staff and fans.

Why Xhaka’s Sunderland move matters

Signed from German champions Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka’s £17.3 million transfer marks the single largest fee in Sunderland’s modern history. The club’s chairman, Murray Capital Partners’ John Mitchell, described the deal as "a statement of intent," signalling that Sunderland is not merely content with Championship status but is eyeing a Premier League return within two seasons.

For Xhaka, the move is a career reset. At 32, he publicly admitted that joining Sunderland is "the biggest challenge of my career," trading the comfort of a Bundesliga title for the gritty grind of English football. His experience in Europe’s elite competitions, coupled with a disciplined work ethic, is expected to lift Sunderland’s midfield cohesion.

Reactions from the clubs and fans

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray praised the friendly as a "perfect gauge of where we stand against top‑flight opposition." He added that Xhaka’s calmness on the ball “instantly raised the tempo for our side.”

Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini highlighted that the squad benefited from the physicality of the English game, noting that "players return home with a sharper edge, ready for LaLiga’s final stretch."

Fans on social media echoed the sentiment. A Sunderland supporter tweeted, "Seeing Xhaka link up with Bellerín feels like a mini‑Arsenal reunion in the North – love it!" Meanwhile, Betis followers posted memes of Bellerín and Xhaka wearing identical scarves, joking that the friendship could spark a future transfer at the end of the season.

Player networks: why these Instagram moments count

In today’s hyper‑connected game, a simple Instagram DM can serve as a recruiting tool, a morale booster, and a brand‑building exercise all at once. Bellerín’s post not only showcased the camaraderie among former teammates but also reinforced Sunderland’s growing reputation as a destination for high‑profile talent.

Industry analysts, such as Sofia Delgado of Sports Market Insights, argue that “visible player relationships accelerate fan engagement and can even sway sponsorship deals.” The ripple effect is clear: Sunderland’s shirt sales spiked 12 % in the week following the friendly, while Betis reported a 7 % uplift in their Spanish‑language Instagram interactions.

What’s next for the clubs?

Sunderland will face Championship rivals Huddersfield Town in their next league fixture, a game many expect Xhaka to dominate. If the Swiss midfielder can translate his continental experience into consistent league performances, Sunderland’s promotion hopes could solidify early.

Real Betis, meanwhile, wraps up LaLiga’s final stretch and looks to secure a Europa League spot. Their preseason tour, which included stops in England and Germany, aims to fine‑tune a squad that will juggle domestic and European commitments.