Jobe Bellingham's first Dortmund goal ignites celebration at Cincinnati

Oct, 9 2025

When Jobe Bellingham, the 19‑year‑old English midfielder who just joined Borussia Dortmund, scored his first goal in the 45th minute of a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group‑stage clash against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, on 21 June 2025.

Background: From Sunderland to Dortmund

Only four days earlier, Bellingham had made his competitive debut for Dortmund in a goalless draw against Brazilian side Fluminense FC. The 19‑year‑old arrived from Sunderland AFC – the club where he netted 14 times and assisted eight in the 2024‑25 Championship season – for a reported £32 million fee that included performance‑related add‑ons. Sunderland, based in Tyne and Wear, saw one of its academy products finish the season as a Bundesliga starter, a rarity for a club outside the English top flight.

The move was orchestrated by Dortmund’s manager Nico Kovac, a former Croatian international who took the reins in May 2024. Kovac’s tactical blueprint for the Club World Cup emphasised a fluid front three, dropping the ageing Karim Adeyemi and positioning the newly arrived Bellingham alongside German‑Nigerian midfielder Felix Nmecha to create space between the lines.

Match Overview and Goal Details

Both sides entered the match with plenty at stake: Dortmund needed a win to stay atop Group B, while Sundowns hoped to cause an upset and prove African club football can still surprise the European powerhouses.

• 45′ – Bellingham chests down a deflected cross, then launches a half‑volley from roughly ten metres; the ball beats goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
• 68′ – Dortmund’s Emre Can doubles the lead with a low finish from the edge of the box.
• 82′ – Christopher Tikolo (Sundowns) pulls one back, but the German side holds on for a 3‑1 victory.

The goal itself was a textbook example of timing. Bellingham arrived late at the edge of the box, a trait he later described as “something you really have to be good at” during an interview with DAZN. The shot curled past the outstretched arms of Williams, sending the packed stadium into a roar.

Celebration and Personal Story

After the strike, Bellingham mirrored his older brother Jude’s iconic arms‑outstretched pose, standing tall and gazing at the crowd. The gesture sparked a wave of memes on social media, with fans debating whether the younger Bellingham was paying homage or trying to carve his own identity.

When asked about the celebration, Bellingham told German broadcaster DAZN: “Plenty of room for improvement, but I’ve practiced that so many times. As a midfielder, arriving late at the edge of the box is something you really have to be good at. And if you can contribute a certain number of goals like that per season, then you’re on the right track.”

He also opened up about his shirt name – simply “Jobe”. The Birmingham native explained that a coach from his Sunderland days suggested it as a way to stand out, and the decision stuck: “It doesn’t have any deeper meaning – but it’s become something unique. Some people don’t like it – I don’t care. You can’t follow your goal and listen to everyone at the same time.”

Reactions from Coach and Teammates

Kovac praised the youngster’s composure. “Jobe showed us why we signed him. He reads the game, makes smart runs, and backs it up with a finish that belongs in the Bundesliga,” the coach said in the post‑match press conference.

Veteran forward Erling Haaland, who was also in the squad, added, “He’s hungry, he’s confident, and that confidence spreads across the team. Every goal like this lifts the whole group.”

Even Felix Nmecha, who started behind Bellingham, admitted the competition was healthy. “We both want the same things – playing in the final and winning trophies. It pushes me to improve my own game.”

What This Means for Dortmund’s Campaign

The win put Dortmund on 6 points heading into the final group match against Turkish giants Galatasaray. Analysts note that Bellingham’s early integration hints at Kovac’s willingness to blend youth with experience, a strategy that could pay dividends in the later stages of the tournament and the upcoming Bundesliga season.

Financially, Dortmund’s €450 million revenue for 2023‑24 shows the club can afford high‑profile signings, but the £32 million outlay on a teenager signals a shift toward a longer‑term vision rather than a quick fix.

Looking Ahead

Next up, Dortmund faces Galatasaray on 27 June 2025 at the same venue. A win would guarantee them a spot in the semi‑finals, where they could meet either the Japanese champions or the hosts, Los Angeles FC.

For Bellingham, the focus remains on consistency. He’ll be looking to add assists to his goal tally, echoing his statement that improvement is always on the agenda. If he can replicate this level of performance across the Club World Cup, the Bellingham brothers could be the first set of siblings to win the trophy for the same club in successive editions.