A look at the Bellingham brothers — the story so far

Not too long ago, the world watched as Jude Bellingham rose through the ranks to become one of England’s brightest midfield talents, which culminated in his high-profile move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023 from Borussia Dortmund.

But while Jude captured headlines, his younger brother, Jobe, quietly went about his own footballing journey. Jobe made a name for himself in the EFL Championship with Sunderland, playing a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. His performances did not go unnoticed, and despite interest from clubs in the English top flight he chose to follow in his brother’s footsteps and move to Dortmund.

Here, we take a look at both the brothers — their club careers, similarities and differences in their playing styles, and what the future may hold for them. 

Club careers

Both Jude and Jobe made their senior debuts with boyhood club Birmingham City. While Jude was the youngest player to start for them at 16 years and 38 days — in the 2019/20 season in an EFL Cup first-round game against Portsmouth — Jobe became the second youngest at 16 years 107 days when he featured in an FA Cup match against Plymouth Argyle in the 2021/22 season.

Within a year of his debut, Jude moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he quickly became a regular starter, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award for the 2022/23 season — his final with BVB. After his performances in Germany and at the 2022 World Cup, top European clubs started taking note, and when Real Madrid came calling in summer 2023, the matter was put to bed. Jude made the move to the Santiago Bernabéu for €113 million and had a sensational first season with Los Blancos, winning LaLiga and the Champions League and becoming a key asset for the record European champions. 

Jobe, on the other hand, made the switch to Championship side Sunderland in the same summer his brother moved to Spain. At the Stadium of Light, he became a crucial player and helped the Black Cats end their exile from the Premier League within two years of promotion from the EFL League One by winning the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. While several top-flight clubs in England wanted him, Jobe opted to trace his brother’s route with a move to BVB. 

Playing styles

Both Jude and Jobe are midfielders. The older Bellingham is a complete midfielder — while he prefers to play in forward roles, creating and converting chances, he can also play deep, making crucial interceptions and breaking up opposition play. He has exceptional work rate, ball control, dribbling skills, and vision. 

Jobe is a box-to-box operator, good in both defensive and offensive situations. A great ball carrier, he likes to make driving runs forward and link up with his teammates. He can be a threat from long range, while out of possession he tracks back and makes key interceptions and tackles. His exceptional work ethic is complemented nicely with his accurate passing. 

While Jude is known for his physicality, excellent ball control, and tactical intelligence, Jobe likes to play in slightly deeper positions, from where he can impact the game with his timed runs into the box, strong driving skills, and link-up play. They’re both dynamic, versatile players and can occupy multiple positions. 

When it comes to goalscoring situations, Jude is a more clinical and instinctive finisher with both head and feet. Jobe, meanwhile, is better from distance and more inclined to create chances for his teammates.

Conclusion

Jude Bellingham has firmly established himself as a key figure at Real Madrid. Content with life in the Spanish capital and fully committed to the club’s long-term vision, unless something drastic happens, he will ply his trade at the Bernabéu for the foreseeable future.

After Sunderland got promoted to the Premier League, many were expecting to see Jobe Bellingham play in the Premier League. That, however, will have to wait, as he prepares for life in the Bundesliga. 

While Borussia Dortmund are widely regarded as one of the best clubs for development of young players, playing in the Premier League offers the challenge of competing in arguably the most demanding and competitive league in the world. Nevertheless, the Bellinghams have once again put their faith in BVB for Jobe’s career, hoping that a promising stint in the German top flight once again paves the way for a move to a top-tier European club.