English and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, has successfully clinched the 2023 Golden Boy award – presented to the best under-21 player in Europe’s top leagues.
Colombian and Real Madrid forward, Linda Caicedo, 18, also secured the Golden Girl award.
Bellingham, aged 20, moved from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer and has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances.
This award follows Bellingham’s recognition as the best under-21 player in world football at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey so far at Birmingham, Dortmund, and now Madrid. It wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said.
“Lastly, and most importantly, my family, who provide me with support, motivation, and love every day to keep striving.
“Now, having received this prestigious award, I want to keep progressing. I want to continue pushing the limits of my potential, with hopes of many more trophies to come.”
Bellingham is the first English player to win the award since Raheem Sterling in 2014, when the Chelsea winger was still playing for Liverpool.
Other notable winners include Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.
Manchester City striker Haaland was also acknowledged this time by winning the Golden Player Man award.
This comes after the 22-year-old’s impressive first season at the Premier League champions, where he scored 52 goals in 53 appearances.
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati received the Golden Player Woman award.zzzzzzzzz
The 25-year-old won the Ballon d’Or last month and has received further recognition following an outstanding year in which she helped her club triumph in the Spanish top flight and Champions League, and her country win the World Cup in the summer.
Other awards given during the ceremony included Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar winning Best European Manager and Brighton’s Tony Bloom named Best European President.
