Jobe Bellingham Eyes Own Legacy at Dortmund
From Birmingham City academy to Bundesliga stardom, Jobe Bellingham is carving a path remarkably similar to his brother Jude's meteoric rise. The 19-year-old midfielder recently helped Sunderland secure Premier League promotion, but will instead join German giants Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth up to £31m.
The Dortmund Connection
Dortmund holds special significance for the Bellingham family. Jude's successful three-year stint (2020-2023) saw him make 132 appearances, win the DFB Pokal, and earn Bundesliga Player of the Season honors before his £88.5m move to Real Madrid. Now Jobe becomes Dortmund's second-most expensive signing after Ousmane Dembele.
Forging His Own Identity
Unlike Jude who typically plays as a number 10, Jobe has demonstrated versatility across midfield roles:
- Box-to-box midfielder (his preferred position)
- Defensive midfielder
- Emergency center forward
Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray noted: "He doesn't want to live off his brother's name. He's trying to create his own identity." In 2024-25, Jobe made 43 appearances with 4 goals and 3 assists.
Why Germany Makes Sense
Football pundit Marco Gabbiadini explains the Bundesliga's appeal:
"It's a stepping stone between Championship and Premier League football, with less immediate pressure and financial benefits for young English talents."
England Dreams
Both brothers share international ambitions:
| Jude Bellingham | Jobe Bellingham |
|---|---|
| 43 senior caps | England U21 international |
| Euro 2020/2024 finalist | Named in Euro U21 squad |
Jude has expressed: "To play with my brother for England... that would mean more than any trophy."
Potential Family Showdown
Football fans could witness a historic Bellingham derby at the 2025 Club World Cup:
- Dortmund (Jobe) in Group F
- Real Madrid (Jude) in Group H
If both teams progress, they could meet in the quarterfinals on July 5th - marking their first competitive matchup.
Key Takeaway: While comparisons to Jude are inevitable, Jobe's Dortmund move represents a carefully calculated next step in developing his unique skillset at one of Europe's best clubs for nurturing young talent.