There’s no denying that the Bellingham name carries weight in the world of football. When Jobe Bellingham made his high-profile move from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund this past summer, expectations soared. After all, he’s the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid star who once dazzled fans in Dortmund’s famous yellow and black. Yet, as autumn settles over the Bundesliga, it’s clear that Jobe’s journey in Germany is off to a more cautious start than some fans might have hoped.
Jobe Bellingham, just 20 years old, arrived at Dortmund in a deal reported to be worth around €30 million (or an initial £26.9 million, depending on your preferred currency). That’s quite the investment for a player who, until recently, was plying his trade in England’s Championship. Since landing in the Bundesliga, Bellingham has made only two starts across all competitions. Most recently, he saw just 13 minutes of action in Dortmund’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg—a cameo rather than a starring role.
So, what’s holding the talented midfielder back from grabbing a regular spot in the starting eleven? According to Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac, the answer lies in a combination of fierce competition, adaptation pressures, and the shadow cast by Jobe’s famous surname. Speaking to Kicker, Kovac pulled no punches in his assessment of the situation: “Everyone wants to play more. Everyone wants to play every minute. But then you only have eleven players.” It’s a simple truth, but one that underscores the challenge facing any young player breaking into a top Bundesliga side.
Kovac elaborated on the realities of life at a club like Dortmund, where the squad is stacked with talent and the margin for error is slim. “When you sign a contract here, it’s not only well paid, but it also means there’s a lot of competition,” he said. That competition has meant limited opportunities for Jobe Bellingham to showcase his abilities—at least so far.
But it’s not just about the depth of the roster. Kovac was quick to highlight the unique pressures facing Jobe as he tries to carve out his own path. “He’s a player with high potential, but also one who needs to grow into it here,” Kovac remarked. The coach described the move from Sunderland to Dortmund as a “big step,” emphasizing that such a transition requires time, patience, and a willingness to adapt. “He’s a very talented player,” Kovac continued, “but also one who needs time to adapt.”
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss Jobe Bellingham’s early days at Dortmund without addressing the elephant in the room: his relationship to Jude Bellingham. The elder Bellingham’s rise from Birmingham City to Bundesliga stardom and eventually to the heights of Real Madrid has set a high bar. Media outlets and fans alike have drawn constant comparisons, sometimes to the detriment of the younger sibling’s development.
Kovac, for his part, has urged caution. “You shouldn’t make the mistake of putting too much pressure on him just because of the name,” the coach said, echoing sentiments he’s shared in multiple interviews. “I don’t think that does him any favours.” Kovac went even further, suggesting that Jobe himself isn’t always doing himself any favors by letting media attention and outside expectations affect his focus. “Jobe is a player who has great potential, but a player who naturally has to grow into the game here. You can’t make the mistake of applying too much pressure, despite the name. I think that’s not doing the boy any favours, and the boy isn’t doing himself any favours.”
It’s clear that the scrutiny surrounding Jobe’s performances is intense, perhaps even more so because of his family ties. The constant comparisons to Jude, now a fixture at Real Madrid, have created a unique set of challenges. Kovac’s advice is simple but wise: let Jobe develop at his own pace, free from the weight of expectation that comes with being a Bellingham.
Despite the slow start, there’s no shortage of belief in Jobe Bellingham’s potential within the Dortmund camp. The consensus is that he possesses the raw talent and footballing intelligence to make an impact in the Bundesliga—just not overnight. Kovac’s comments suggest a deliberate approach to the midfielder’s integration, one that prioritizes long-term growth over immediate results. “He’s a player with high potential,” the coach reiterated, “but also one who needs to grow into it here.”
As the Bundesliga season rolls on, all eyes will be on Dortmund’s next fixtures—and on whether Jobe Bellingham can seize any opportunities that come his way. The club’s next challenge comes in the form of Mainz, a team known for its grit and unpredictability. Kovac has made it clear that he’ll be monitoring Bellingham’s performance closely, looking for signs that the young Englishman is adjusting to the demands of German football. “Dortmund next face Mainz in the Bundesliga and Kovac will be monitoring Bellingham’s performance once again as he avoids media reports and tries to lock in to the new season which is getting away from him.”
For now, patience remains the watchword. The jump from Sunderland to Dortmund is no small feat, and few players—regardless of their last name—make such a leap without encountering bumps along the way. The key, according to Kovac, is to provide support without undue pressure, allowing Jobe the space to mature both on and off the pitch.
It’s easy to forget, amidst the headlines and transfer fees, that Jobe Bellingham is still just 20 years old. His best football is almost certainly ahead of him, provided he’s given the time to find his feet in a new league, a new country, and a new footballing culture. Dortmund fans, notorious for their passion and high expectations, may need to temper their hopes for instant results and instead embrace the process of nurturing a young talent.
Whatever happens next, one thing is for sure: the story of Jobe Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund is only just beginning. With the Bundesliga campaign heating up and competition for places fiercer than ever, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how—and when—the young midfielder makes his mark. For now, the spotlight remains, but so does the sense of possibility. Will Jobe rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell, but for now, the message from Dortmund’s coach is clear: patience, perspective, and a little less pressure could make all the difference.
As the season gathers steam and the fixtures come thick and fast, Jobe Bellingham’s progress will be closely watched—not just in Dortmund, but by football fans everywhere eager to see if the next chapter in the Bellingham family saga will be written in Bundesliga gold.
