Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham wins 2023 Golden Boy award
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has won the 2023 Golden Boy award, which is given to the best under-21 footballer in Europe.
Bellingham made a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid this summer and has been sensational for them. The 20-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.
Moreover, this is Bellingham’s second award this season. The Englishman also won the Kopa Trophy at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
He is also just the third Englishman to win the Golden Boy Award, following the footsteps of Rooney (2004) and Raheem Sterling (2014).
“For me I would probably say that Rooney was my biggest influence growing up. Being from England, the way he played, the way he fought. But there are so many other players I’ve taken bits from,” said Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham names three stars who could possibly win the Golden Boy award
The Los Blancos midfielder has pipped the likes of Jamal Musiala, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Balde, Evan Ferguson and Warren Zaire-Emery to this year’s award.
Bellingham also named three candidates for next year’s award: “I will say three names. First of all, Arda Guler is a phenomenon, we see him training and we are delighted with him. Then my former teammate Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, from Borussia Dortmund. And finally, my brother Jobe.”
Bellingham thanks Carlo Ancelotti for his explosion at Real Madrid
“I put in my efforts and a fierce commitment to excel at work, but the credit goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the field. So now I’m flying on the field,” said Bellingham.
“I know I am disappointing you in one aspect… I still don’t speak Spanish. I’m sorry, but I’m encountering unexpected obstacles with this language. It’s difficult for me, I admit. Nevertheless, I promise maximum commitment, guaranteed,” he added.
