‘Really Proud of It’ – Jobe Bellingham Makes His Mark with Goal on First Borussia Dortmund Start

Brother Jude Casts a Long Shadow, but Jobe’s Confident Strike Proves He’s Stepping Into His Own Spotlight

There’s something poetic about seeing the name Jobe Bellingham flash up on the scoresheet in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. But this time, it wasn’t Jude who grabbed the headlines. It was 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham—confident, composed, and quietly determined to write his own chapter in Borussia Dortmund’s rich footballing story.

In what was his first start for Borussia Dortmund since making a £27 million move from Sunderland earlier this month, Jobe delivered a performance that showed glimpses of something special. Not only did he open his account with a well-taken goal in a thrilling 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup, but he also demonstrated the kind of midfield maturity that belies his years.

Jobe Bellingham’s Goal Wasn’t Just Instinct—It Was Intentional

The strike itself was simple on the surface but deceptively smart in execution. A late run into the box, a soft touch to ease away from his marker, and a confident finish past the keeper. To many, it looked like a natural midfielder’s instinct. But for Jobe, it was the result of years of practice.

“I practise that so many times,” Jobe Bellingham told DAZN after the match. “Not that exact finish, but arriving late on the edge of the box as a midfielder is something you need to be really good at.”

And you could tell it wasn’t just talk. The timing, the movement, the awareness—it all hinted at a player who’s studied the game deeply and worked tirelessly to perfect those details.

“I was really pleased because it was something I practised as a kid and at Sunderland so many times, during training, after training. So yeah, I am really proud of it.”

There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing a player execute something they’ve rehearsed again and again on the training ground. For Jobe Bellingham, that moment at Borussia Dortmund, in front of a new set of fans, wearing a shirt that means so much to his family—that was more than just a goal. It was a statement.

Walking in Jude’s Shadow—but Not Staying There

Jobe Bellingham Borussia Dortmund

It’s impossible to talk about Jobe Bellingham without mentioning Jude. His older brother has carved out a career trajectory that borders on mythical: from breaking into the Birmingham City senior team at 16 to becoming a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield and one of the world’s most recognisable footballers by 20.

Now, with Jobe following in Jude’s footsteps to Borussia Dortmund, comparisons are inevitable—and potentially unfair.

While Jobe’s playing style shares elements with Jude’s—both are powerful runners, composed on the ball, and capable of driving from deep—Jobe is beginning to show that he brings a slightly different flavour to the table. He tends to play higher up the pitch, closer to the final third, and his eye for goal was on full display in his first start.

The comparisons may never truly go away, and Jobe knows it. But he doesn’t seem fazed.

“There are still a lot of things for me to improve on personally and for the team,” he admitted. “I am glad we won, but I know this is just the beginning.”

From Sunderland to Signal Iduna Park: A Bold Move

When Dortmund came calling, many were surprised that the club was ready to invest such a hefty fee in a teenager who, while promising, had only just broken into the Championship with Sunderland. But BVB’s record of identifying and nurturing young talent is among the best in the world. And with Jude Jobe Bellingham as the poster boy of that model, it made perfect sense for them to take a punt on Jobe.

He may not have had the Bundesliga experience his brother had upon arrival, but Jobe brings with him an intensity and work ethic that’s already earning him admirers within the club.

This isn’t a vanity project. Jobe wasn’t signed to sell shirts or nostalgia. He was brought in to contribute—and based on his debut, he’s well on his way.

What Makes Jobe Bellingham Different?

Jobe Bellingham Dortmund

Jobe’s best attributes go beyond the obvious. Yes, he’s technically gifted. Yes, he’s physically strong and positionally intelligent. But what stands out is his attitude. He doesn’t coast on his surname. He doesn’t demand attention. He just works. Quietly, diligently, and with purpose.

Watching him play, you can see a player who is thoughtful in possession, quick to cover space defensively, and unafraid to take risks in the final third. He plays like someone who’s been groomed for this level of football his entire life.

He might never reach Jude’s galactic heights—and that’s fine. What matters is that he’s carving out a lane of his own, step by step.

Dortmund’s Midfield Is Changing—And Jobe Is Part of It

With the departures of senior players and a shift in tactical direction under Edin Terzić, Dortmund’s midfield is entering a new era. Jobe’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.

There’s a clear role for him: a box-to-box midfielder who can press, link up play, and most importantly, contribute goals. In today’s game, goalscoring midfielders are gold dust—and if Jobe can consistently chip in from those late runs, he’ll become indispensable.

Against Sundowns, he showed just a glimpse of what he can offer. But the promise is clear. His first goal in a Dortmund shirt likely won’t be his last.

What’s Next for Jobe Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund?

Jobe will look to continue his momentum when Borussia Dortmund round off their Club World Cup group stage against Ulsan on Wednesday night. With four points from two matches, they sit top of Group F and are looking to secure their place in the knockouts.

But beyond the tournament, the real focus is on the Bundesliga season ahead. Dortmund will be expecting a title challenge, and Jobe will no doubt get more minutes as he beds into the team.

He may not be an automatic starter just yet, but if his first start is anything to go by, he won’t be waiting long.

Final Thoughts: A Name to Watch—Not Just a Brother to Remember

The journey of Jobe Bellingham is only just beginning. And while the path he’s walking will forever be linked to that of his older brother, what matters most is where he’s heading—and how he gets there.

That goal against Sundowns was more than just a nice finish. It was a sign of intent, a flicker of promise, and a reminder that football has room for more than one Jobe Bellingham at the top.

And you get the sense, as he smiled and reflected after the match, that Jobe knows exactly what he’s doing.

“I’m really proud of it,” he said—and he should be.

Because this isn’t Jude’s story anymore.

This is Jobe’s.