Feature: Jobe Bellingham makes his own mark at Dortmund

by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Niklas Sule and Julian Brandt were in a lighthearted mood as they discussed Borussia Dortmund's most talked-about new arrival.

"He moves like him, he talks like him," defender Sule said after Dortmund's 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener against Fluminense, ahead of Saturday's match against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

Midfielder Brandt added: "He's got so much of him, it's almost copy and paste-at least for those of us who knew his brother Jude."

The comparisons between 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham and his older brother, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, seem inevitable. Jude played for Dortmund from 2020 to 2023, leaving a lasting impact on the club.

Jobe's arrival two weeks ago sparked a wave of excitement among fans and raised expectations. While eager to establish his own path, Jobe-like during his time at Sunderland-chose to go by his first name rather than his family name. He now wears the No. 77 shirt at Dortmund.

Interestingly, both brothers transferred for similar fees - just over 30 million euros.

The message from Jobe is clear: "My personal journey."

Despite his desire to write his own story, the similarities are hard to ignore. Both came from English clubs: Jude from Birmingham City after a relegation battle, and Jobe from Sunderland following their dramatic playoff promotion to the Premier League. Both play similar midfield roles, though Jobe brings a more defensive mindset.

"I'm a box-to-box player, a six or eight," he said.

He called the decision to join Dortmund rather than continue with Sunderland "a well-thought-out decision." The timing, he said, felt right.

While Jude offers encouragement from afar - "Your time, enjoy every second," he wrote on social media - Jobe is already impressing at his new club.

"He's so authentic, so much himself," Jude said.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl echoed the praise: "Jobe has shown his class right from the start."

While Jude is winning trophies in Madrid, their mother, Denise, continues to support the family's journey, now with Jobe at Dortmund.

"I gained resilience over the past year," Jobe said. "I learned to stay away from outside narratives and gained efficiency."

With a contract through 2030, Jobe appears poised to write a new chapter on his own terms.

"I was surprised by his great shape," said BVB coach Niko Kovac. "He's in strong condition and ready for the challenges ahead." ■