José Bello earns first Aruba call-up: “It has always been a dream”

ORANJESTAD — Dutch-born footballer José Bello, 28, has received his first call-up to Aruba's national football team, fulfilling a long-held ambition to represent his father's homeland.

Born and raised in Warffum, the ACV Assen left-back told Radio Noord that national coach Marvic Bermúdez had been monitoring his progress since he joined the club. Bello discovered his selection through an Instagram announcement.

Aruba is scheduled to face Martinique in two matches, at home on November 12 and away on November 17, according to the published schedule.

However, Bello's international debut remains uncertain as he is recovering from an injury. He is unlikely to feature in the opening match but could make his debut in the return fixture if his recovery progresses well.

His father expressed great pride at the possibility of seeing his son represent Aruba, where Bello still has relatives.

For the 28-year-old defender, wearing Aruba's national team jersey would be a special milestone and the realization of an ambition he has carried for years.