Quick Read
- Borussia Dortmund have signed Jobe Bellingham, 19, from Sunderland.
- This comes five years after his brother Jobe joined Dortmund.
- Jobe will debut in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the U.S.
In a move rich with family legacy, Borussia Dortmund announced the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland on a five-year contract. The deal, finalized in early June, comes five years after Jobe’s older brother, Jude Bellingham, joined the German club and rose to international stardom before moving to Real Madrid in 2023.
Dortmund’s Strategic Investment in Young Talent
Jude Bellingham’s move to Dortmund highlights the club’s continued focus on nurturing young players. The midfielder, who played a crucial role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League in May 2025, was named the Championship’s Young Player of the Year after an impressive season with four goals and three assists in 43 appearances. Dortmund Managing Director Lars Ricken described Jude as an “exceptionally talented player” who embodies the club’s philosophy of developing youth at the highest level.
“Jude’s professionalism, dynamism, and ambition will enrich our team,” Ricken added, emphasizing the 19-year-old’s potential to contribute significantly to Dortmund’s future. ESPN reports that Jude will wear the number 77 jersey as he begins his Bundesliga journey.
Following a Family Legacy
Jude’s transfer mirrors the path of his older brother, Jude, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 at the age of 17. Jude quickly became a central figure in Dortmund’s midfield, helping the team secure the German Cup in 2021 alongside stars like Erling Haaland. His standout performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2023.
Jude, who also began his career at Birmingham City, made his senior debut at a similar age to his brother. He joined Sunderland in 2023 and rapidly became an integral part of the team. According to Bundesliga, his decisive contributions during the Championship play-offs, particularly Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the final at Wembley, cemented his reputation as a rising star.
Club World Cup Beckons
Jude’s arrival at Dortmund comes just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. Dortmund’s strong finish in the 2024–25 Bundesliga season secured their spot in the tournament. They won seven of their final eight games to clinch fourth place and a Champions League berth, as reported by Sports.
Jude expressed his excitement about joining the black-and-yellow squad: “I’m very happy to be a Borussia Dortmund player now and to fight for titles together with this great club. I want to play my part in celebrating success with these great fans here and will work on myself and with the team every day.” His involvement in the Club World Cup means he will not participate in England’s Under-21 European Championship campaign, as confirmed by ESPN.
Dortmund’s Continued Pursuit of Glory
The signing of Jude Bellingham signals Dortmund’s commitment to maintaining their reputation as a talent incubator. Over the years, the club has successfully developed young players into global stars, including Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Jadon Sancho. As Jude steps onto the international stage, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can emulate or even surpass his brother’s achievements.
With Jude Bellingham now part of Dortmund’s roster, the club continues its legacy of fostering young talent while aiming for success on both domestic and international fronts. The Club World Cup offers the first stage for Jude to make his mark in black and yellow, carrying forward a family tradition of excellence.