“I give my all in every game” – Jobe Bellingham portrait | OneFootball

Jobe Bellingham made a conscious decision not to display his surname on the shirt. For two years, he played for Sunderland with the shirt number 7, with his first name simply written above it. The 19-year-old was born on 23 September 2005 in Stourbridge (England) into a football-loving family. His father, Mark Bellingham, scored over 700 goals as an amateur footballer and passed on his passion for the sport to his two sons, Jude and Jobe.

Jobe came through Birmingham City's youth academy, where he quickly caught the eye with his technique, intelligence and versatility. The midfielder impresses with his ball control and ability to make the right decisions in pressure situations. “I try to improve every day. I like to work, I'm disciplined and committed as I take everything very seriously. I try to improve my craft and not let outside things influence me,” says Bellingham.

He was first selected for the senior squad at his boyhood club at the age of 15. He was 16 when he made his debut as the club's second-youngest player, coming on as a 70th-minute substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup in January 2022. He played 26 competitive matches for the second-tier club before moving to Sunderland in the summer of 2023. The league rivals gave him the opportunity to get regular game time and develop further. In his debut season, the then 18-year-old established himself as a key player and played 90 competitive games for the club (11 goals, four assists). In his second season, he played a key role in the club's promotion to the Premier League and was named “Young Player of the Season” and selected in the “Team of the Season” for the EFL Championship.

“The play-offs at my previous club were something that meant a lot to me. It was very special and I was happy that I was able to finish with that result. They are important games and I'm glad we made it in the end,” explained the midfielder as he described the successful promotion campaign. At Sunderland, he played as either a number eight or a number six. “I tend to play as a box-to-box midfielder. Of course, I give my all in every game and throw myself at every opportunity. I think that's one of my greatest strengths," said Bellingham, adding: “Honestly I like to lead from the front with my tackling. I like to throw myself into challenges.”

Bellingham has also played for all of England's youth national teams since U16 level. Until a few days ago, he was also part of the U21 squad preparing for the upcoming European Championship. However, the Young Lions will have to do without the midfielder at the tournament. Instead, Bellingham will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup with BVB. In the new season, he will also make his first appearance in a home match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. He has only good memories of the south stand and the Black & Yellow fans from his numerous visits to the stadium: “They were just incredibly loud and full of energy. So many colours and so many flags. And the scarves. I also saw them at away games. They travelled a lot too. Simply incredible.”