The highly anticipated debut of Jobe Bellingham for Borussia Dortmund arrived on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during their FIFA Club World Cup Group F match against Brazilian side Fluminense. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ended in a 0-0 draw, but Bellingham's appearance sparked considerable interest and discussion among fans and pundits alike.

Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, recently made a high-profile move to Dortmund from Sunderland. The transfer fee is reported to be around £26.96 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons, a significant investment reflecting the potential seen in the 19-year-old midfielder. Like his brother Jude, who also made a name for himself at Dortmund before his move to Spain, Jobe is expected to become a key player for the Bundesliga side.

Dortmund manager Niko Kovac opted to start Bellingham on the bench. Just before the match, Kovac stated, “Anticipate this: He will not play from the start because the one week since he joined us is not enough to internalize all our processes and all our principles." Bellingham was introduced into the game in the 59th minute, replacing Pascal Gross. This substitution was part of a double change that also saw Felix Nmecha come on for Karim Adeyemi.

Despite the goalless scoreline, the match was an engaging affair, with Fluminense showing plenty of attacking intent. Throughout the match, Fluminense's Jhon Arias and Agustin Canobbio were particularly prominent. Gregor Kobel, Dortmund's goalkeeper, was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Fluminense's Everaldo also had a good opportunity but his pass to Canobbio resulted in a save by Kobel. Kobel made another stunning save to stop Nonato's rebound attempt.

In his debut, Jobe Bellingham displayed composure and technical ability. He recorded 34 touches on the ball and had a passing accuracy of 93%, completing 26 of 28 passes. He also contributed defensively, making three clearances and winning one ground duel.

The game ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw. Dortmund will face Mamelodi Sundowns next, while Fluminense will play Ulsan Hyundai.

Jobe Bellingham's debut has naturally drawn comparisons with his brother, Jude. Many fans and experts have noted the similarities in their playing styles. Some observers have pointed out Jobe's resemblance to Jude, noting it's not just physical but also in their approach to football. However, some fans cautioned against excessive hype, emphasizing that Jobe needs time to develop and establish his own identity.

Overall, Jobe Bellingham's debut for Borussia Dortmund was a solid start to his career with the German club. While it is still early days, the initial signs are promising, and fans will be eager to see how he develops and contributes as the season progresses.