“Jobe Bellingham Reveals the Heartbreaking Dilemma Behind Dortmund Move
Jobe Bellingham Opens Up on Dortmund Move, Shirt Name Choice, and Carving His Own Path
Jobe Bellingham has revealed that he “followed his heart” in choosing to join Borussia Dortmund, despite previously expressing admiration for Sunderland.
In a candid interview with OneFootball.com, the former Sunderland midfielder addressed the criticism surrounding his decision to wear just his first name on the back of his shirt instead of “Bellingham”—a move that has raised eyebrows.
But the teenager remains unfazed, saying, “I don’t really care. I want to go my own way.”
Interestingly, Bellingham admitted he was initially hesitant about joining Dortmund because he didn’t want to appear as though he was following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude Bellingham.
However, he eventually changed his mind—convinced by a key conversation with Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
“At first, I was against joining Dortmund,” he said. “It sounds strange, but I was biased against it because of Jude.
I wanted to take my own path and had my doubts. But Watzke told me, ‘It’s not about being different. It’s about doing what’s right.’ And for me, that was Dortmund. Not signing just because my brother played here would have been the real mistake. I followed my heart.”
Since arriving in Germany, Jobe says the transition has been positive.
“It’s been really good so far,” he shared. “I got to know the team and signed before flying over, so I’ve been able to settle in quickly.
It’s always tough when you join a new club and have to leave right away, but everyone’s made the process easier. Honestly, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Adapting to the conditions of the Club World Cup has been a challenge, particularly due to the weather.
“The humidity and heat are totally different from Sunderland or Dortmund,” he said. “But it’s a unique tournament, and you just have to adapt. We’ve done quite well and are still training hard, so things are looking good.”
Regarding his decision to wear “Jobe” instead of “Bellingham” on his kit, he explained it started as a suggestion from a coach during his time at Sunderland.
“Someone I’d worked with at both Sunderland and Birmingham suggested it,” he said. “I was young and thought it looked cool.
There wasn’t a deeper meaning back then, but it’s grown into something that represents me taking my own path. Some people don’t like it—but I’m not interested in pleasing everyone.”
He continued, “You can’t chase your dreams and listen to everyone’s opinion. I only take advice from people who know what they’re talking about.
My focus is on improving every day—and having my name on my shirt is just part of that journey.”
Now focused on developing his game, Jobe shared that he looks up to legendary midfielders for inspiration.
“I’m always studying other midfielders,” he said. “I’ve watched the Steven Gerrard documentary countless times.
I love the Maradona documentary too, even though he was so good I can’t take much from it.
I also study Patrick Vieira—I used to think he was just defensive, but he could do everything. Gerrard’s another one I watch regularly, and there are plenty more I learn from.”
Jobe Bellingham may be following in his brother’s footsteps at Dortmund—but he’s clearly determined to make the journey his own.
