Why Jobe Bellingham refuses to wear family name on his England shirt after first senior call-up, unlike brother Jude

Jobe Bellingham is set to make his senior England debut after receiving his first call-up from Thomas Tuchel, but there is one detail that will distinguish his shirt from the traditional England kit. While his older brother Jude wears BELLINGHAM above the number 10, Jobe is expected to continue using his first name on the back of his shirt, a choice he made early in his career as he began establishing himself as a footballer in his own right.Why Jobe Bellingham has his first name on his shirtJobe began wearing his first name on the back of his shirt in the summer of 2023, when he moved from Birmingham City to Sunderland in a transfer worth £3 million. The decision was suggested by a coach who had worked with him at both clubs, and Jobe has since explained that what began as a simple preference became part of his identity as a player.Speaking to Borussia Dortmund's official website in June 2025, he said:“When I signed for Sunderland, it was suggested to me by someone, a special coach I had there who I also had in Birmingham," he said."I was still young and thought it was cool to have my own name on the back. It didn’t have any deeper meaning – but it’s become something unique. It shows that I’m going my own way."Some people don’t like it – I don’t care. You can’t follow your goal and listen to everyone at the same time. I only listen to people who know what they’re talking about – not internet critics who just spout nonsense."I just try to get better every day. And my name on my shirt is part of that.”The choice also reflects a desire to build a career independently of the attention that comes with being Jude Bellingham's younger brother. Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray made that point in 2024, suggesting that Jobe wanted supporters to judge him on his own performances.“I think he’s trying to create his own identity,” Mowbray said. “He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name; he wants to be the footballer that he is and show people what he can do.”What will be different about Jude and Jobe's England shirts?England's traditional shirt printing uses a player's surname, which means Jude's shirt carries BELLINGHAM above his number 10. If Jobe followed the same convention, his shirt would also display BELLINGHAM, with the squad number providing the only visible difference between the two from the back.Jobe's preference for his first name avoids that duplication. Rather than sharing the same surname printing as his older brother, he will be identified as JOBE, continuing the practice he has followed since joining Sunderland.Jude, 23, has established himself as one of England's leading players and wears the number 10 shirt. Jobe, 21, is now taking his first step into the senior national team, having impressed at Borussia Dortmund this season. His shirt choice is a small but recognisable distinction between the brothers, particularly as they move closer to the possibility of representing England together.Jobe Bellingham earns first senior England call-upJobe received his first senior England call-up on Friday, November 6, after being included in Tuchel's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been brought in amid a shortage of options in central midfield.Tuchel explained that Alex Scott was not ready, while Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had featured in all four previous matches, was suspended for the Croatia fixture after picking up a yellow card."We have a slight issue in central midfield as Alex Scott is not ready, Myles [Lewis-Skelly], who played in all four matches, picked up a yellow card and is suspended for the Croatia match, so that leaves us short," Tuchel said.He also pointed to the recommendation of England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley and Jobe's recent form at club level."Lee Carsley is talking highly of Jobe in these weeks and months, so there's an opportunity to join and learn in the first-team. He's in a good run of form for Borussia Dortmund."Jobe has previously impressed under Carsley at Under-21 level, and the senior call-up gives him an opportunity to establish himself in Tuchel's squad.Jude Bellingham's dream of playing alongside his brotherJobe's call-up is also a significant moment for Jude, who has spoken openly about wanting to share the England team with his younger brother. The Real Madrid midfielder said in a video on his YouTube channel in 2024 that playing alongside Jobe for their country would mean more to him than winning trophies."Because we’re a similar age and we’ve played together for so long in the street and on the tufts of grass, to play with my brother for England, that would be the biggest dream of my life,” Jude said.“That would mean more than any of the trophies. Especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together and win things together. Honestly, nothing would even get close to that. Nothing.”The brothers have played together since childhood, but a place in the same senior England side would take that partnership to a different level. For Jobe, the first-name printing is one way of making his own mark; his first call-up now gives him the chance to do that on the international stage.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.