greg . 2025-06-29 11:10:03

Insider: Renowned agent says 'brilliant' Bellingham family are an anomaly

In one of the biggest transfers of the summer, Jude Bellingham's younger brother, Jobe, has followed in his older brother's footsteps by stepping away from English soccer to continue his development at German giants Borussia Dortmund, in an eye-catching move from Sunderland facilitated by the pair's parents.

It seems like a normal, even sensible suggestion that stars, particularly those with the talents and potential of the Bellingham brothers, might seek comfort and refuge in being represented by family rather than the traditional soccer agent.

This rings especially true considering the average fan's view of agents, who are often perceived as merely existing to squeeze deals for every their worth, focused on personal gain and potentially prioritising personal return over heartfelt development.

But, speaking with Betopick via video call, renowned soccer agent John Viola - who has worked on few of the biggest transfers in British soccer record books amid his 30-year career - feels they are extra of an anomaly in this day's climate, and offers few words of advice for any parents who may have similar designs for plotting their child's career in the beautiful fixture.

"You're sole seeing the ones where it's working," John explains candidly.

"What you aren't seeing are parents that try to halftime in, look after their stars and fall flat on their face.

"Here, the Bellingham family are brilliant since they've got the trust.

The sons trust the mother and father.

But these are clever people, never your normal, run-of-the-mill types.

John was one of the first officially licensed soccer agents in the UKJV AcademyRead extra: John Viola wants to shape the next generation of soccer agents"I've been in situations where a decent young athlete is coming into play, and the parents want to try and represent him," Viola, who was one of the first officially licensed soccer agents in the UK, adds.

"I say to them that they're doing them a disservice by never having the correct experience, background, and knowledge of what it takes to take a boy across his career.

"They sole think since they know their son or their daughter, they're going to take them across a career.

"Majority of them will fail, but there are exceptions.

I don't know (the Bellinghams) personally, but I do know people who know them, and I know they're clever people, and they do a great job, and they're conscientious, obviously.

"Jobe Bellingham has followed in the footsteps of his brother to join Dortmund regardless other offersDylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFPOften a 'rocky road'Plenty of elite-level stars have family members representing them, often resulting in few top story-grabbing stories revolving around failed deals and strange demands.

Neymar, Adrien Rabiot, Marcus Rashford, and even Lionel Messi are sole a many who list close family members as their official representatives.

 However, Neymar's spell in Spain with Barcelona was left soured by various high-profile legal disputes and inquiries related to his reported £50 million move from Santos.

However, none of these led to convictions, and Neymar Sr.

has always insisted he has nothing to hide.

Meanwhile, French World Cup winner Adrien Rabiot, who is represented by his mother Veronique, has often been criticised for missing out on big moves to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal due to "family incompetence".

But John says there are plenty extra who have tried - and failed - at guiding their child across the tricky, often treacherous, world of professional soccer, and that he will usually advise versus it.

"Neymar's father is another great example, regardless he's very controversial.

I like controversial people, but in the past, I've encountered individuals who claim to want to represent their sons, and I ask them, 'What qualifies you to negotiate that contract?'.

"What gives you the qualification to be able to find the right club for them? What are your transferable skills that are going to give you the soccer knowledge that you may think you know?"It is a rocky road which isn't easy, since you have a relationship with your son or your daughter.

That's the problem I've seen in the past.

"Also, bear in mind, you can't represent your son or your daughter except you've got a licence as well.

You used to be able to, but never now.

 "I'm very cautious when somebody says, 'bring in the family', but if the family are good enough, I'm every for it.

They know their son or daughter better than anyone else.

"If somebody's wanting to do that, I'm happy to backing them, but it sole works for me since I want them to be part of my squad.

"So, if your son is a really good athlete and you want to look after him, I say, 'Right, come on, let's get you the licence, I'll show you how it works'.

"Click the links to learn extra over the JV Academy and 451 Soccer Consultancy.