Jude Bellingham has picked up his Golden Boy award for 2023, with the Real Madrid superstar recognised as the best young player on the planet.
WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Bellingham and Haaland are expected to challenge for Ballon d’Or honours in the future, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, Bayern Munich starlet Jamal Musiala and Barcelona pair Pedri and Gavi also forming part of an exciting generation of talent that is looking to take over from eternal rivals Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID
Bellingham, who has scored 15 goals for the Blancos through 17 appearances to break records previously posted by Cristiano Ronaldo, said when collecting his prestigious prize in Turin: “I can't be more grateful to all the people I have met along the way to help get me to the point I am at now. It's about trying to make my team and country the best teams in the world and to be the best player in the world you have to help your teams win and to join that list is such a big honour. I think Wayne Rooney was probably my biggest influence growing up, obviously being from England and the way he played, the way he fought, but there are so many other players that I've taken bits from. I'm really grateful for everything football has given me so far in my life and the support from my family to keep playing and keep enjoying it has been huge
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Haaland also added another trophy to his roll of honour courtesy of the awards handed out by Italian publication Tuttosport, with the prolific Manchester City striker getting revenge of sorts on Ballon d’Or winner Messiby walking away with the Golden Player Man award – having hit 52 goals last season in City’s historic Treble triumph.