On June 17, 2025, 19‑year‑old Jobe Bellingham followed his brother’s path by taking the pitch for Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup opener against Fluminense in New Jersey, coming on as a 59th‑minute substitute for Pascal Groß in a match that ended 0‑0 at MetLife Stadium espn.comtheguardian.com. I felt his entry carried more weight than the numerical scoreline, given the spotlight on what it means for a rising star to step into the global stage.
Despite the goalless outcome, Jobe showed composure under pressure. While he had only 31 minutes on the field, he quietly completed most of his passes and won his first duels, hinting at the calm temperament that persuaded Dortmund to invest around €33 million in him earlier this month reuters.com. I noted the half‑full stadium—about 34,763 spectators, many cheering for Fluminense—yet his arrival still turned a few heads among neutral fans sportsnet.ca. Some supporters praised his assured touch, while others urged for more impact, underscoring the high expectations placed on his shoulders.
Substitution Sparks Tactical Shift
Pascal Groß, signed last summer from Brighton for roughly €7 million, began the match as part of the veteran core intended to guide Dortmund through tough contests bvbbuzz.com. I thought Groß’s calm passing and positional sense would help control the midfield, but manager Niko Kovac opted to freshen things up at 59 minutes, introducing Jobe to add energy and directness reuters.com. That move showed me how the club balances experience with emerging talent.
Sunderland Breaks Its Transfer Record
Meanwhile, back in England, Sunderland shattered its previous spending mark by activating a clause to sign French midfielder Enzo Le Fée from AS Roma for £19.3 million once the club secured promotion to the Premier League si.comflashscore.com. I find it telling that the Black Cats backed their promotion push with such a significant outlay, signaling ambition at their new level. That fee not only reflects Le Fée’s impact during his loan spell but also reorders Sunderland’s hierarchy of transfers, edging out all previous ins.
