Jobe Bellingham has officially followed in his older brother Jude’s footsteps by making a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund — but fans quickly noticed one unusual detail. Unlike most players who opt to display their surname on the back of their shirts, Jobe has chosen to wear only his first name, “Jobe.” Now, the rising star has explained the personal reasoning behind that decision.
Speaking shortly after his unveiling at the Bundesliga club, Jobe addressed the attention his kit had already received. “It was something I thought about carefully,” the 18-year-old midfielder said. “Everyone knows the Bellingham name because of my brother, and I’m incredibly proud of what Jude has achieved. But I also want people to know me for who I am — Jobe.”
This choice is more than a branding statement — it’s a reflection of a young player keen to step out of a giant shadow. Jude Bellingham, now a Ballon d’Or contender at Real Madrid, made his name at Dortmund before securing his blockbuster move to La Liga. His rise was meteoric and often came with the weight of public expectation — something Jobe is clearly conscious of as he begins his own journey in yellow and black.
“I’ll always be Jude’s brother, and that’s fine. But I also have my own dreams, my own story, and my own identity. I felt like putting just ‘Jobe’ on the back was a way of showing that,” he added. “It’s not about separating myself from my family — it’s about being myself.”
The move to Borussia Dortmund is seen as a bold and strategic step for Jobe, who impressed during his time at Sunderland in the English Championship. The German club has built a reputation for nurturing young talent, and with their strong history of developing players like Jude, Erling Haaland, and Jadon Sancho, it’s easy to see why Jobe was drawn to the Westfalenstadion.
Sources close to the club say the decision to wear his first name has been welcomed by both teammates and coaches, who admire the maturity behind the choice. Dortmund’s sporting director also commented, saying, “We support our players in expressing their identity. Jobe is a humble but ambitious young man. He’s not trying to copy anyone — he’s carving out his own path.”
Fans, too, have shown their support. Social media has been flooded with messages praising Jobe for showing confidence and clarity at such a young age. One tweet read, “Respect to Jobe for owning his name. It’s a small thing but a powerful message — he’s not here to ride on coattails.”
That sentiment seems to capture the mood around the transfer. While comparisons with Jude are inevitable, Jobe’s decision to use only his first name signals his determination to build a reputation that stands on its own. He isn’t shying away from the spotlight — but he’s making sure he steps into it as himself.
Now at Dortmund, Jobe will be working under a system that values youth, discipline, and expression. While it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll adapt to the demands of the Bundesliga, his mindset already suggests he’s ready for the challenge. And with “Jobe” printed boldly on the back of his shirt, there’s little doubt that this is the beginning of a personal legacy.
Whether his journey will mirror or diverge from that of his brother remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jobe Bellingham has arrived — and he wants the world to know
exactly who he is.
