November 17, (THEWILL) – Sensational young English footballer, Jude Bellingham, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2023 Golden Boy award, recognising the best player under 21 in Europe. The coveted prize is awarded annually by Italian newspaper Tuttosport after votes from 50 sports journalists across the continent.
In a gracious video acceptance speech, Bellingham expressed gratitude for the incredible journey so far with Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, and current club Real Madrid. He gave special thanks to his family for their unwavering support, motivation and love that inspires him to keep improving each day.
Since making the high-profile move to Real Madrid last summer, the 20-year-old phenom has taken the Spanish giants by storm, netting an astounding 13 goals in his first 14 appearances. This includes scoring a brace in a monumental 2-1 El Clásico victory over bitter rivals Barcelona last month.
Bellingham was also recently awarded the prestigious Kopa Trophy for the best young player globally at the star-studded Ballon d’Or ceremony. He now joins elite company as just the third English player to earn the Golden Boy title after Wayne Rooney in 2004 and Raheem Sterling in 2014.
The celebratory Golden Boy award ceremony will take place in Turin, Italy on December 4th, where Bellingham will be bestowed the coveted trophy. His meteoric rise to stardom at such a remarkably young age suggests this will likely prove the first of many honours in what promises to be an illustrious career at the highest level.