Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham, is making headlines with his impressive performances for Sunderland. The 18-year-old midfielder has been garnering praise from both fans and experts alike, with many drawing parallels between his rapid ascent and that of his older sibling.
Tony Mowbray, Sunderland’s manager, has been particularly vocal in his admiration for the young talent. Speaking ahead of their match against Middlesbrough, Mowbray highlighted Jobe’s maturity, noting that he behaves like a seasoned professional both on and off the pitch. “Even in small-sided games, he wants to win,” Mowbray said, emphasizing Jobe’s competitive spirit. The manager also pointed out that Jobe’s inclusion in the team is based on his footballing ability, competitive edge, athleticism, and technique, rather than his famous surname.
Jobe’s journey in football has been nothing short of remarkable. He joined Sunderland from Birmingham at the age of 17, around the same time Jude made a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for a staggering fee of up to €134m (£116m/$142m). To distinguish himself from his brother and carve out his own identity, Jobe chose to have his first name, rather than ‘Bellingham’, printed on the back of his shirt.
While Jude has been setting the pitch on fire in Madrid, with a tally of 10 goals and three assists in just 10 games this season, Jobe’s progress at Sunderland has not gone unnoticed. His performances have earned him a spot in the England Under-19 squad, which will be competing against Montenegro, Wales, and Austria in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Following the international break, Jobe will be back in action for Sunderland as they face off against teams like Stoke, Leicester, and Norwich in the Championship.
The Bellingham brothers’ rise in the football world serves as an inspiration to many young players. Their dedication, talent, and hard work are evident in their performances, and they are undoubtedly set to achieve even greater heights in the future.
