Jobe Bellingham’s Early Challenges at Dortmund

Jobe Bellingham made a noteworthy debut at Borussia Dortmund after joining the team in the United States for the expanded Club World Cup. He marked his first start by scoring a remarkable low volley during a group-stage match against Mamelodi Sundowns and later provided an assist against Ulsan on matchday three.

Dortmund advanced to the round of 16 as Group F winners, setting up a match against Liga MX side Monterrey. A brace from Serhou Guirassy secured a 2-1 victory for BVB, although it was a disappointing day for Jobe, who received a yellow card in the first half and was substituted by coach Kovac after just 55 minutes. This incident marked his second booking of the tournament, resulting in a suspension for Dortmund’s quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, where his brother Jude plays.

“We all saw that he was very disappointed,” Kovac remarked after the match. “He seemed surprised that the second yellow card led to a suspension at half-time.”

The situation was unfortunate for Jobe, but Kovac offered consolation, expressing confidence that the brothers would have the opportunity to face each other in the future, potentially in the Champions League.

In Jobe’s absence, Dortmund suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, with Jude delivering a standout performance. However, Jobe quickly rebounded, showing promise in pre-season matches against Sportfreunde Siegen, Lille, and Juventus. This led to his inclusion in the lineup for Dortmund’s opening Bundesliga match of the 2025-26 season against St. Pauli, which ended in a chaotic 3-3 draw.

Despite Dortmund leading 1-0 at half-time, Jobe was substituted after a subdued performance that saw him record just 28 touches. Although the team briefly held a 3-1 lead, they ultimately drew after Filippo Mane was sent off late in the game. Jobe’s father, Mark, was reportedly upset by his son’s early substitution, leading to a confrontation with club official Kehl, who later emphasized that such actions by family members were inappropriate.

Bellingham started in Dortmund’s subsequent match against Union Berlin, where he put in a valiant effort despite suffering a cut above his eyebrow after a collision. Dortmund won 3-0, largely thanks to Jobe’s defensive contributions, but he was substituted early due to Kovac’s concerns about his positioning.

Kovac opted to bench Bellingham for a fixture against Heidenheim, where Dortmund secured a 2-0 victory. His limited role continued in the Champions League, where he only appeared for a brief stint in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Juventus. Kovac addressed the media regarding Jobe’s situation, stating that there was significant competition within the squad and that Jobe was still adapting to the team’s dynamics.

Throughout the remainder of 2025, Jobe struggled to capitalize on limited opportunities, starting only six more games. A notable performance came in a Champions League match against Copenhagen, where he assisted two goals, but overall, the highs were far outweighed by lows. His first experience in the Klassiker against Bayern Munich ended in disappointment as he was involved in a key moment that led to a goal against his own team.

Jobe’s frustrations were compounded by a subsequent red card in a match against Freiburg, resulting in a two-match ban. The dismissal was particularly harsh, as he was reacting to a poor pass from his goalkeeper. Speculation arose about his father’s influence on his playing time, but tactical decisions played a significant role in limiting his appearances. Jobe had initially thrived in a more advanced role but has since been restricted in a holding position that does not leverage his strengths.

Comparisons with Jude, who is a rising star, have added pressure on Jobe. Critics have been harsh, with some claiming Jobe is not living up to expectations, which is an unfair assessment considering the significant achievements of his brother. However, Dortmund’s coach has shown patience, acknowledging that adaptation to a new environment can take time.

Kovac praised Jobe’s dedication and work ethic, noting his commitment to improvement while also reminding him of the need for balance in life. The recent months have tested Jobe’s resilience, but with Pascal Gross’s departure and Marcel Sabitzer’s injury, he has an opportunity to establish himself further in the squad. A strong performance in the Champions League against Tottenham could reignite discussions of a potential national team call-up.

Jude has expressed his dream of playing alongside Jobe for England, a vision that still seems distant but remains a possibility for the future. The coming weeks will be crucial for Jobe as he navigates the pressures of his early career and the expectations surrounding him.