“I had to leave Man City” – now I’m the next Champions League star thanks to Sancho and Bellingham
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Jamie Bynoe-Gittens: From Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund’s Rising Star
Arrival in Germany and Early Mentorship
When Jamie Bynoe-Gittens first made his move to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16, it was Jude Bellingham who took him under his wing. Alongside Jadon Sancho, the trio of English talents was shaping up to leave their mark on German football. Bynoe-Gittens, the youngest of the group, was eager to follow in his teammates’ footsteps and establish himself at one of Europe’s top clubs. Borussia Dortmund has developed a reputation for nurturing young talents, with players like Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Sancho all passing through its ranks before making big-money moves to European giants.
Following in Sancho’s Footsteps
Sancho’s presence at Dortmund played a big part in Bynoe-Gittens’ decision to leave Manchester City. Sancho, who had since returned to the Premier League and struggled at Manchester United before moving to Chelsea on loan, laid the groundwork for young English players like Bynoe-Gittens to thrive in Germany. The two shared the same agent, so when Dortmund came knocking for Bynoe-Gittens in 2020, the move felt natural. After a couple of appearances for City’s Under-18 team, Bynoe-Gittens was drawn to the prospect of following the same path Sancho had taken.
Reflecting on his decision, Bynoe-Gittens said, “When Sancho was at City, he was doing bits in the 18s, scoring every game, so in a way, I wanted to be like him.” He swapped the Etihad for Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion at just 16, and four years later, his decision has paid off.
Breakthrough at Dortmund
Bynoe-Gittens made his presence known with a match-winning performance in the Champions League group stage against Club Brugge, scoring twice, including a stunning goal after a series of stepovers. However, his talent had been evident long before that match. Starting his journey at Reading’s academy, he joined Manchester City at 14, where he impressed the coaching staff before ultimately leaving for Dortmund.
His journey at Dortmund wasn’t without challenges. After joining in 2020, his first year was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving him without games to play. He initially lived in Dortmund’s youth housing, but as he adapted to life in Germany, he spent more time with Sancho, developing a friendship that saw them playing FIFA and hanging out together.
Overcoming Challenges
The path wasn’t easy, as injuries sidelined him for four months in 2021. However, by the end of the season, he had earned a place in Dortmund’s first team. A standout moment came when he scored twice in a UEFA Youth League match against Manchester United, marking his rise through the ranks.
Bynoe-Gittens has also thrived at the international level, playing a key role in England’s Under-19 team that won the European Championship in 2022. His hard work off the pitch has been just as important. Moving to a foreign country at such a young age forced him to adapt quickly, and he embraced the challenge, taking daily German lessons to learn the language and navigating his way through his new surroundings.
“I had to learn German quickly,” he shared. “I was shy, but I had to learn to ask for things, whether it was going to the shops or figuring out the right bus to take. I had to make it work.”
Cementing His Place at Dortmund
Now 20, Bynoe-Gittens has made over 60 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, becoming a regular in the squad. He even played in the Champions League final last May, coming off the bench in the final moments against Real Madrid. Despite the defeat, it was a milestone in his young career, and many believe he’s poised for even more significant moments in European football.
A Bright Future
Bynoe-Gittens continues to look up to players like Bellingham, who has since moved to Real Madrid. The two shared a close bond in Germany, with Bynoe-Gittens often following Bellingham’s lead in training and preparation. The English trio, including Sancho, treated Bynoe-Gittens like a younger brother, helping him settle into life at Dortmund.
As his career progresses, Bynoe-Gittens is beginning to step out of the shadows of his former teammates. Should their paths cross again in the Champions League, don’t be surprised if Jamie Bynoe-Gittens takes center stage, continuing to prove why he’s one of football’s rising stars.
