Borussia Dortmund secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against a resilient Mamelodi Sundowns side in their recent Club World Cup encounter held at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The match was a captivating display of attacking football, with Jobe Bellingham's first goal for Dortmund proving to be a pivotal moment in the game.
Sundowns, representing South Africa, started brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute through Lucas Ribeiro. However, their joy was short-lived as Dortmund responded swiftly. Felix Nmecha equalized after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error by Ronwen Williams. Dortmund then took the lead through Serhou Guirassy, who headed home from a Julian Brandt cross in the 34th minute.
The highlight of the match arrived just before halftime when Jobe Bellingham, making his first start for the club, scored his first Dortmund goal. A cross was deflected into his path, and the young midfielder controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a superb volley into the net.
Dortmund extended their lead in the second half when Khuliso Mudau unluckily directed a cross into his own net. However, Sundowns refused to give up, and Iqraam Rayners reduced the deficit, reacting quickly to bundle the ball home after his initial header hit the post. Lebo Mothiba scored a third goal for Sundowns in the 90th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation as Dortmund held on for the win.
Jobe Bellingham's goal was a significant moment, marking his arrival on the Dortmund stage. The 19-year-old, who joined the club from Sunderland earlier this month, is following in the footsteps of his older brother Jude, who also starred for Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid. After scoring, Jobe seemingly replicated his brother's iconic celebration, standing with his arms outstretched while looking at the crowd.
The victory lifts Dortmund to the top of Group F, while Sundowns slip to second place. Despite the defeat, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised his team's performance, acknowledging the high level of their opponents and expressing pride in his players' efforts. The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is hosted in the United States across 12 venues, and will continue for 29 days, with the final to be held on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
