Jobe Bellingham, the highly-rated younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, has made an immediate impact at his new club, Borussia Dortmund, scoring his first goal in the FIFA Club World Cup. The 19-year-old midfielder found the net in Dortmund's match against Mamelodi Sundowns, capping a whirlwind start to his career in Germany following a multi-million pound transfer from Sunderland.
Bellingham's move to the Bundesliga giants was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, with the deal reportedly worth an initial £27.8 million, a record sale for Sunderland. The move sees him follow in the footsteps of his brother Jude, who also developed his career at Dortmund before his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
In his first start for the club, Bellingham showed the composure and clinical finishing that has drawn so much attention, volleying home to the delight of the Dortmund faithful. His early goal is a promising sign for the club, who have invested heavily in the young English talent.
Speaking about his decision to join Dortmund, Jobe admitted to initial "reluctance" to tread the same path as his famous sibling. "Of course, there's always going to be that comparison," he stated in a recent interview. "But I have to focus on my own journey and what's best for my development. I believe this is the right place for me to grow as a player."
He has chosen to wear "Jobe" on the back of his jersey, a clear indication of his desire to forge his own identity in the footballing world.
The midfielder's reported salary at the German club is in the region of €3 million per year, reflecting the high expectations placed upon him. His successful start will no doubt be a source of encouragement for both the player and the club as they embark on their new chapter together.
