22.6 C
London
Saturday, June 20, 2026

Why Jobe Bellingham is refusing to wear family name at Dortmund

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

  • Bellingham made his Dortmund debut against Fluminense on Tuesday night
  • The midfielder wore ‘Jobe’ on the back of his shirt rather than his surname
  • Watch every Club World Cup match free on DAZN. Sign Up Now

Jobe Bellingham made his Borussia Dortmund debut off the bench at the Club World Cup on Tuesday night, with the 19-year-old opting to wear his first name on his shirt.

Bellingham had followed in the footsteps of his older brother Jude by joining the Bundesliga giants this summer.

Jude had starred for Dortmund between 2020 to 2023, before earning a stunning £113m move to Real Madrid.

With Jobe earning comparisons to Jude early in his career, having both come through Birmingham City’s academy, the teenager has stressed he is seeking to forge his own path in his career.

Having made his Birmingham debut with Bellingham on the back of his shirt, Jobe opted to drop his surname after moving to Sunderland in 2023.

Then Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray explained Jobe had made the decision in order not to be seen as living off his brother’s name and achievements.

Jobe Bellingham made his Bourissa Dortmund debut against Fluminense at the Club World Cup

The midfielder came on as a second half substitute in the goalless draw in the group stage

Bellingham began his career at Birmingham with his surname on his shirt

He switched to Jobe when he moved to Sunderland to forge his own path amid comparisons to his brother

‘I think he’s trying to create his own identity,’ Mowbray said.

‘He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name, he wants to be the footballer that he is and show people what he can do.’

The move required approval from the EFL and was done so the younger of the two brothers could forge his own identity in the sport. 

Dortmund appeared to make a nod to Jobe’s decision when announcing his £32m signing earlier this month.

The Bundesliga club shared a video to unveil Bellingham featuring the words ‘The name is Jobe’.

‘I’ve been here before, watching games, hearing the fans chant, feeling the power of these colours, this place stuck with me,’ Bellingham said in the video.

‘Now I’m here again, not to watch and not follow in anyone’s footsteps.

‘The same city, the same stadium, but the story that’s ours to write now.’

[embedded content]
Jude Bellingham had starred for Dortmund from 2020 to 2023 before joining Real Madrid

After joining Dortmund earlier this month, Bellingham was included in their squad for the Club World Cup. 

The England under-21 international made his debut as a 59th minute substitute against Brazilian side Fluminense.

Dortmund were ultimately held to a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the tournament.

The German giants will face Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD in their remaining group matches at the tournament in United States. 

Bellingham joined following two impressive seasons at Sunderland, who he helped earn promotion back to the Premier League last month.

He played 43 matches in all competitions for the Black Cats last season and was named as the Championship Young Player of the Season.

Hot this week

Diana’s ex-hairdresser condemns ‘evil’ comments about Kate’s hair

Princess Diana's former hairdresser has condemned 'nasty' comments made about the Princess of Wales 's hair - as she stepped out with her newly blonde tresses.

Experts reveal how many tins of tuna is safe to eat a week

The NHS advises people to eat at least two portions of fish a week, yet a recent investigation revealed toxic metals, including mercury, could be lurking in cans of tinned tuna sold in the UK.

The best places to live in Britain’s idyllic national parks

Many of us toy with the idea of moving somewhere close to nature, with a friendly community, where the pace of life is more civilised. But where to find such a place? A national park could be the answer.

The unusual breakfast request Princess Lilibet asks Meghan Markle for

Meghan Markle revealed her children's favourite meals and that she 'doesn't like baking' on the second season of her lifestyle show With Love, Meghan.

Some people DO see ghosts – and medics say there’s an explanation

An astonishing third of people in the UK and almost half of Americans say they believe in ghosts, spirits and other types of paranormal activity.

Scotland vs Morocco – World Cup Group C LIVE: Steve Clarke’s side concede within the first two minutes as Ismael Saibari beats offside trap before...

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog as Steve Clarke's side bid to build on their opening World Cup win against Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Boston.

Explosive Iran admission leaks out of White House… as insiders mock JD Vance’s response to humiliating ‘prom snub’

Vicious whispers have been circulating about Vice President JD Vance after his high-stakes trip to the Swiss Alps to meet with Iran's leadership was abruptly canceled at the eleventh hour.

No Pulisic, no problem! Dominant USA breeze past Australia to seal World Cup knockout spot… as Seattle goes wild and fans start to dream...

USA 2-0 AUSTRALIA - DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: One huge step into the knockout rounds and one giant question answered: How would the USA cope without the injured Christian Pulisic?

Brazil vs Haiti – World Cup Group C LIVE: Carlo Ancelotti’s side look to clinch their first win of the tournament as they return...

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog as Carlo Ancelotti's side bid for their first win of the tournament against Group C minnows Haiti in Philadelphia.

Scotland vs Morocco – World Cup Group C LIVE: Steve Clarke’s side concede within the first two minutes as Ismael Saibari beats offside trap before...

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog as Steve Clarke's side bid to build on their opening World Cup win against Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Boston.

Jockey left in coma after serious motorbike crash completes miraculous return to racing with emotional Royal Ascot victory – plus your best bets for...

Eight months ago, doctors questioned if Clifford Lee would ever walk and talk again after an horrendous cross-country motorbike crash left him in a coma.

Massive fire breaks out at luxury beach resort popular with American tourists forcing guests to run for their lives

Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from a section of the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in La Altagracia on Friday.

No Pulisic, no problem! Dominant USA breeze past Australia to seal World Cup knockout spot… as Seattle goes wild and fans start to dream...

USA 2-0 AUSTRALIA - DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: One huge step into the knockout rounds and one giant question answered: How would the USA cope without the injured Christian Pulisic?
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img