Jobe Bellingham's journey at Borussia Dortmund has been anything but smooth sailing, and it’s a story that’s both captivating and polarizing. Imagine stepping into one of Europe’s most demanding football clubs, carrying the weight of your brother’s legendary legacy, only to face early setbacks that leave fans and critics divided. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it his performance, his father’s intervention, or the club’s tactical shifts that truly derailed his start? Let’s dive in.
After a standout performance at the Club World Cup, where he showcased his potential with a goal and an assist, Jobe Bellingham seemed poised for a breakthrough season. His pre-season form further solidified his place in manager Niko Kovac’s plans, earning him a starting spot in Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener against St Pauli. Yet, his debut was cut short as he was substituted at halftime. What followed was a post-match incident that grabbed headlines: Jobe’s father, Mark Bellingham, reportedly confronted Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, in the players’ tunnel. Was this a justified reaction from a concerned parent or an overstep that complicated his son’s path?
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with Dortmund squandering a 3-1 lead after rookie defender Filippo Mane’s red card in the 85th minute allowed St Pauli to equalize. Mark Bellingham’s frustration wasn’t just about his son’s early substitution but also the team’s lackluster style of play. While Kehl downplayed the incident, Dortmund’s hierarchy made it clear: only authorized personnel are allowed in restricted areas. Managing director Lars Ricken emphasized the club’s long-standing trust with the Bellingham family, stating the matter was resolved amicably.
Despite this, Jobe’s playing time dwindled, though not due to his father’s actions. His only other Bundesliga start came against Union Berlin, where he was subbed off after 71 minutes. Kovac’s shift to a 3-4-3 formation, favoring two central midfielders and three forwards, left Bellingham’s role uncertain. At Sunderland last season, he thrived alongside a defensive midfielder, but Dortmund’s current setup, with Felix Nmecha’s physicality and Pascal Gross or Marcel Sabitzer’s ball control, seems to prioritize different qualities.
And this is the part most people miss: Bellingham’s versatility has been both a blessing and a curse. Nine of his 14 appearances this season have been as a substitute, yet he’s never sat on the bench for a full 90 minutes. He even started in Champions League victories against Athletic Club and FC Copenhagen, contributing two assists in the latter. This suggests Dortmund is committed to his development, but his impact in limited minutes has been inconsistent.
His lowest moment came against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga ‘Klassiker.’ Brought on in the 73rd minute with Dortmund trailing, he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as Harry Kane’s counter-attack led to a second goal. Bellingham’s attempt to clear the ball backfired, gifting Michael Olise an easy finish. While not solely to blame, the incident symbolized his early struggles: good intentions, but little to show for it.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Are we expecting too much, too soon? Jobe’s path to Dortmund was far different from Jude’s. While Jude was hailed as a generational talent at 17, Jobe needed more time to develop, spending years at Birmingham and Sunderland. Yet, Dortmund’s narrative has often mirrored Jude’s fairytale rise, setting unrealistic expectations. The younger Bellingham’s transfer fee matched Jude’s, adding to the pressure.
But there’s hope. In recent games, Jobe has shown glimpses of brilliance, even as a substitute. His 120-minute performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup and his defensive efforts against Augsburg highlight his growing influence. Kovac himself praised Bellingham’s quality, hinting at a brighter future. With Sabitzer’s inconsistent playmaking and Gross’s age becoming a factor, Bellingham could yet carve out a central role in Dortmund’s midfield.
While he may not replicate Jude’s meteoric rise, patience could turn Jobe into a success story in his own right. Do you think Jobe Bellingham will live up to the hype, or is he destined to be overshadowed by his brother’s legacy? Share your thoughts below!
