Losing Jude Bellingham was tough for the Borussia Dortmund faithful in more ways than one. The Englishman arrived in Germany as a talented 17-year-old, and left three years later as a superstar. His departure in the summer of 2023 left not only a void on the pitch, but also in the hearts of Dortmund supporters.
There was something special about the sound of 80,000 fans belting out “Hey Jude” at Signal Iduna Park. Fans thought the days of singing their Bellingham-inspired version of the Beatles classic were over. Until now. Indeed, a revival of the beloved chant is back in the stands, albeit with slightly tweaked lyrics.
New signing Jobe Bellingham made his first start as Borussia Dortmund edged Mamelodi Sundowns FC 4-3 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. With Jude now at Real Madrid C.F., it was his younger brother who took centre stage, with a dazzling performance that earned him Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match. The fans responded in kind, sending the familiar melody around the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
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“Yeah, I noticed it,” smiled the midfielder when asked about the ‘Hey Jobe’ chants. “Obviously, I understand the background of it, and I don’t mind. As long as the fans sing my name in a positive way, then I suppose it’s a good thing. So yeah, I’m really pleased.”
The praise didn’t just come from the stands, as Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac was impressed too. “He has a strong physical presence and toughness, and he’s got a good sense for the game,” he said. “He’s still getting to grips with what we’ve been doing in training these past four months. At 19, he still lacks a bit of discipline and tended to drift out of position, especially when the opposition had the ball.”
Just two weeks after his move to Dortmund from Sunderland, the Club World Cup is a perfect opportunity for the England U-21 international to get a feel for how his team operates. “It’s been a different experience because rather than signing and having the summer off, I’ve got a chance here and an opportunity to meet everyone and get to grips with how we play and how the coach wants us to play as a team,” said Bellingham. “So on and off the pitch, it’s a really beneficial experience for me.”
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A goal on his first start won’t hurt his chances of settling in quickly. “It’s a little bit surreal, really,” said Bellingham. “When the ball hits the net, it’s just crazy. Everything happens so slowly. But yeah, I’m really pleased.”
“He did really well today,” said Felix Nmecha, who partnered Bellingham in central midfield. “I love playing with Jobe. I think he’s a player that wants to play football and isn’t scared to get the ball, which is always nice to have with you in the midfield.”
