Jobe Bellingham made his Borussia Dortmund debut off the bench at the Club World Cup on Tuesday night, with the 19-year-old opting to wear his first name on his shirt.
Bellingham had followed in the footsteps of his older brother Jude by joining the Bundesliga giants this summer.
Jude had starred for Dortmund between 2020 to 2023, before earning a stunning £113m move to Real Madrid.
With Jobe earning comparisons to Jude early in his career, having both come through Birmingham City’s academy, the teenager has stressed he is seeking to forge his own path in his career.
Having made his Birmingham debut with Bellingham on the back of his shirt, Jobe opted to drop his surname after moving to Sunderland in 2023.
Then Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray explained Jobe had made the decision in order not to be seen as living off his brother’s name and achievements.
Jobe Bellingham made his Bourissa Dortmund debut against Fluminense at the Club World Cup
The midfielder came on as a second half substitute in the goalless draw in the group stage
After starting his career with Bellingham on his shirt, he switched to Jobe to forge his own identity
‘I think he’s trying to create his own identity,’ Mowbray said.
‘He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name, he wants to be the footballer that he is and show people what he can do.’
The move required approval from the EFL and was done so the younger of the two brothers could forge his own identity in the sport.
Dortmund appeared to make a nod to Jobe’s decision when announcing his £32m signing earlier this month.
The Bundesliga club shared a video to unveil Bellingham featuring the words ‘The name is Jobe’.
‘I’ve been here before, watching games, hearing the fans chant, feeling the power of these colours, this place stuck with me,’ Bellingham said in the video.
‘Now I’m here again, not to watch and not follow in anyone’s footsteps.
‘The same city, the same stadium, but the story that’s ours to write now.’
Jude Bellingham had starred for Dortmund from 2020 to 2023 before joining Real Madrid
After joining Dortmund earlier this month, Bellingham was included in their squad for the Club World Cup.
The England under-21 international made his debut as a 59th minute substitute against Brazilian side Fluminense.
Dortmund were ultimately held to a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the tournament.
The German giants will face Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD in their remaining group matches at the tournament in United States.
Bellingham joined following two impressive seasons at Sunderland, who he helped earn promotion back to the Premier League last month.
He played 43 matches in all competitions for the Black Cats last season and was named as the Championship Young Player of the Season.
