Bellingham wins Kopa Trophy as he finally gets his hands on Ballon d’Or young player prize

Published: 20:08, 30 Oct 2023Updated: 20:13, 30 Oct 2023

Jude Bellingham’s dream week has continued as he landed the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this year.

The England international has had a sensational 12 months at Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, who he signed for in the transfer window.

Bellingham’s year has only got better and betterCredit: Getty

Bellingham has won his first Kopa TrophyCredit: AFP

And the 20-year-old has wasted no time in becoming the main man at the Bernabeu, scoring 13 times in 13 appearances and two assists.

That includes a jaw-dropping display in El Clasico after bagging all three points against Barcelona with a stunning 30-yard howitzer before scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory.

He has also scored three in three Champions League matches and been given the man-of-the-match award 10 times.

The Stourbridge-born star’s electric start to life Spain has led to many to claim that he is currently the best player in the world.

And he has been rewarded for his brilliance by being given the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player in the world.

He said: “I want to thank everyone who supported me in my journey.

“From Birmingham, to Dortmund, now to Real Madrid. There is more to come.

“To win this trophy means a lot, but to me, the most important thing is collective trophies.

Bellingham has been out of this world in the last 12 monthsCredit: AFP

“It’s important that I try to kick on and help Real Madrid and England win trophies for many years.”

The Kopa Trophy is only given to the best-performing player under the age of 21 and has been a prize that has eluded Bellingham despite his rapid start to life in football.

The midfielder has been a key player since breaking into the Birmingham first team at the age of 16 in 2019, leading to a £30million move to Borussia Dortmund the following year.

And he walked straight into the first-team in Germany, as well, before signing for Real Madrid in the summer for £88m, potentially rising to £114m.

Bellingham was the runner-up for the Kopa Trophy in 2021, losing out to Barcelona ace Pedri.

The following year, the Englishman missed out on entirely in surprising fashion but has now finally got his hands on the accolade.