After a spectacular start to life at Real Madrid, England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been named the 2023 Golden Boy.
20-year-old Bellingham beat off Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons to win the award for players under the age of 21.
Bellingham leads La Liga with 10 goals in 11 games and has three more in three Champions League appearances since joining the Spanish city from Borussia Dortmund in June for a reputed sum of 103 million euros ($112 million).
“I’d like to thank everyone that has been part of my journey so far at Birmingham, Dortmund, and now Madrid. It wouldn’t be possible without them,” Bellingham said on Friday.
“Lastly, and most importantly, my family, who give me the support, motivation, and love I need every day to keep striving.
“Now that I have this prestigious award, I want to keep going. I want to keep pushing the limits of my potential, and hopefully many more trophies will come.”
Linda Caicedo, a Colombian forward for Real Madrid, earned the Golden Girl award.
Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Raheem Sterling, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi have all won the Golden Boy award in the past.
