*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 07:05, 10 March 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18:55, 16 November 2022 (UTC)
In July 2018, Bella-Kotchap joined VfL Bochum professional team 2018–19 summer training camp.[4] In March 2019, Bella-Kotchap signed his first professional contract with VfL Bochum.[5] He made his professional debut for Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga on 28 April 2019, starting in the away match against Erzgebirge Aue.[6]
Southampton
On 21 June 2022, Bella-Kotchap joined Southampton on a four-year deal,[7] for a fee estimated at 10 million euros.[8] Having established himself as a regular starter at centre-back,[9] Bella-Kotchap dislocated his shoulder in a collision during the 1–1 draw with West Ham United on 16 October. As a result, he was expected to be out of action for several weeks.[10] He returned from injury on 6 November in a 1–4 defeat against Newcastle United.[11] On 4 January 2023, Bella-Kotchap tweaked his knee during the first half of a 0–1 defeat against Nottingham Forest and was expected to be injured for a matter of weeks.[12] Bella-Kotchap dislocated his shoulder again during a 3–3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 18 March 2023.[13]
PSV (loan)
On 1 September 2023, Bella-Kotchap joined Eredivisie side PSV on a season-long loan.[14] He made his professional debut for the club on 16 September 2023 in a 4–0 victory against NEC.[15] Four days later, Bella-Kotchap made his first Champions League appearance in a 4–0 defeat to Arsenal.[16] In October 2023, he suffered a shoulder injury and was expected to be sidelined until the end of year.[17]
International career
Bella-Kotchap began his youth international career with the Germany under-18 team, making his debut on 15 November 2018 in a friendly match against Cyprus, which finished as a 1–0 win.[18]
On 15 September 2022, Bella-Kotchap was included in the German senior squad for the first time.[19] He made his debut as a late substitute on 26 September in a 3–3 draw with England.[20] In November 2022, he was selected in the German squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[21]
Personal life
Bella-Kotchap was born in Paris, France,[5] and is the son of former Cameroon international Cyrille Florent Bella.[22]