The first major decision Jobe had to make in his football career was to leave Birmingham City for Sunderland. At the Stadium of Light, he opted to wear "Jobe" and not his surname, Bellingham.
Jobe played 47 games in his first season at Sunderland, which earned him a contract extension in August 2024. During the 2024/25 season, he starred in a pivotal role as the Black Cats returned to the English Premier League after an 8-year absence.
He scored four goals and provided three assists in 40 Championship games during the past season. Jobe is a player with great physical potential to play various midfield roles. He has often excelled in a defensive midfield role and has been great at winning the ball back with his decisive tackles.
His coaches have often had high praise for him. Jobe also praised his former boss Régis Le Bris, stating how he realised quite quickly that he was focused on his work, that he likes to analyse, and he gives lots of feedback.
Jobe Bellingham has great maturity for a young age
"Jobe is an exceptionally talented player who, despite his young age, already possesses remarkable maturity and intelligence, “ stated Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken. “We’re convinced that he fits perfectly with our philosophy of promoting young talent and giving them the opportunity to develop at the highest level."
Jude Bellingham was happy that his younger brother joined his former club. "It's beautiful, I have to say; I'm really happy for my brother, There was a big discussion for him in relation to the decisions he could have made but I think that, looking at it now, and from the perspective of the decision that he has made, I'm really happy," he stated.
“He’s an absolute diamond. He just loves football and wants to get better. He tests the coaches every day. He’s got a real growth mindset. At 17, it’s unbelievable. Where he can be in five years, I’m not sure, but I’m pleased with him. His greatest asset is that he wants to learn.” – his former boss Tony Mowbray said on Jobe Bellingham, via The Athletic.
He was one of the first people to realize that Jobe is trying to follow his own pathway: “I think he’s trying to create his own identity,” said Mowbray, then Sunderland manager. “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.”
As Jude sealed his career-defining €100+ million move to Real Madrid, Jobe signed for Sunderland in more modest surroundings. In almost all of his football decisions, Jobe has tried to stand out on his own, separate from his brother.
It would be unfair to compare everything he does to his brother and also say that he is a similar player to him. Some have even suggested that many clubs wanted Jobe simply because he is Jude’s brother, and that makes him overrated. This is also another wrong assertion. Jobe is trying to be a player of his own making, and so far he is doing well in that department.