Football fans hoping to witness a historic on-pitch duel between the Bellingham brothers at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will have to wait a little longer, as the much-anticipated faceoff between Jude and Jobe Bellingham has been dashed.
The two siblings, who play for Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively, were on course to meet for the very first time in a competitive fixture in the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, a yellow card picked up by Jobe during Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Monterrey on Wednesday morning has ruled the 19-year-old out of the match due to card accumulation.
The quarter-final clash between Dortmund and Real Madrid is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, but Jobe’s suspension means the brothers will not share the pitch on this global stage.
Jobe’s Booking Ends Brotherly Dream Clash
Jobe Bellingham’s booking came during a hard-fought Round of 16 battle against Mexican side Monterrey. The teenager, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland in a highly praised transfer move, put in a dynamic performance but received a caution that will now cost him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
According to tournament regulations, a second yellow card in successive matches results in an automatic one-match suspension. Unfortunately for Jobe, that means sitting out of the next crucial match—against none other than his older brother Jude.
Had he avoided the booking, football history could have been made with the Bellinghams going head-to-head in a competitive game for the first time in their careers.
Dortmund Edge Monterrey in Close Contest
Despite Jobe’s personal setback, Borussia Dortmund progressed to the quarter-finals with a narrow 2-1 win, thanks to a stunning first-half brace from Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean international scored twice in the space of 10 minutes to give the Bundesliga side a commanding early lead.
Monterrey’s German Berterame pulled one back shortly after the break in the 48th minute, but Dortmund managed to hold firm despite late pressure from the CONCACAF giants.
Speaking after the match, Dortmund manager Edin Terzić praised his team’s character:
“We started strong and Serhou was clinical when it mattered. Monterrey made it tough, but we showed resilience. It’s a shame Jobe won’t be available for the next round, but we trust the depth in our squad.”
Jude Bellingham Helps Madrid Progress
Earlier in the day, Jude Bellingham featured for Real Madrid in their tense 1-0 victory over Juventus. Madrid’s breakthrough came courtesy of Gonzalo Garcia, who scored in the 54th minute to send Los Blancos into the last eight.
Jude, 21, was instrumental in midfield, showcasing his trademark composure and vision throughout the match. The England international continues to play a pivotal role for Madrid since his move from Dortmund last year, further establishing himself as one of the world’s top young talents.
After the match, Madrid manager Xabi Alonso praised Bellingham’s maturity and influence on the pitch:
“Jude gives us control in midfield. His ability to lead, even at a young age, is remarkable. We’re pleased with the performance and ready for the next challenge.”
The clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the quarter-final stage, featuring a mix of youth and experience from both European giants. However, the absence of Jobe Bellingham will be keenly felt—especially given the emotional and historical weight a sibling rivalry would have added to the match.
Jobe’s Meteoric Rise
Though only 19, Jobe Bellingham has been on an impressive upward trajectory. His performances at Sunderland last season drew widespread praise, leading to Dortmund making a swift move to reunite the Bellingham legacy at Signal Iduna Park. His adaptation to German football has been smooth, with the midfielder already contributing to key moments in the team’s journey at the Club World Cup.
His elder brother Jude walked a similar path, joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 before eventually moving to Real Madrid in a mega deal that has paid off handsomely for the Spanish club.
The two brothers have openly spoken about their admiration for each other’s game. In a recent interview, Jude expressed how proud he is of Jobe’s progress:
“I’ve watched him grow into a fantastic player. He’s got all the tools to be better than me,” Jude said with a smile. “If we ever meet on the pitch, it will be special—but I’ll definitely want to win.”
Sadly, that long-awaited moment won’t happen this weekend.
What’s Next for Dortmund and Madrid?
With Jobe suspended, Dortmund will rely on the experience of players like Julian Brandt, Marco Reus, and Emre Can to match up against a formidable Real Madrid side boasting talents such as Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and of course, Jude Bellingham.
The Madrid vs. Dortmund clash will be played on Saturday, July 5, as part of the Club World Cup quarter-final round. The winner will advance to the semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the prestigious global title.
Other quarter-final fixtures scheduled include:
- Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- Chelsea vs. Palmeiras
- Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal
Conclusion
The Bellingham brothers may not get their dream matchup this weekend, but their parallel rise in elite football continues to capture global attention. While Jude will look to guide Real Madrid to another title, Jobe will serve his suspension and hope that Dortmund advance so he can return to the field in the semi-finals.
For now, the world will have to wait for the day when these two remarkable talents face each other on football’s biggest stages.
