Jude Bellingham Wins 2023 Kopa Trophy Ahead Of Jamal Musiala
Jude Bellingham is the first English player to win the Kopa Trophy.
The Real Madrid midfielder received the award from former Belgium captain Eden Hazard at Monday's 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
Bellingham won the prize ahead of nine other nominees, including Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund and a trio of Barcelona starlets in Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Pedri.
Antonio Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Xavi Simons and Elye Wahi had also been shortlisted.
Musiala came second in the vote, with Pedri third.
The Kopa Trophy is effectively the junior version of the Ballon d'Or. It is awarded to the player voted to have had the best season in world football while aged 21 or younger.
Bellingham, 20, scored 15 goals in 54 games for England and Borussia Dortmund last season.
That form earned him a summer move to Madrid and he has provided 13 goals and three assists in his first 13 appearances for the Spanish club.
Jude Bellingham pictured at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris
IMAGO/PA Images/Adam Davy
Bellingham, who had previously placed second in the vote for the 2021 Kopa Trophy, scored two goals on his Clasico debut on Saturday as Madrid came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1.
He was asked about that game while strolling along the red carpet in Paris on Monday.
"It was a fun one," Bellingham replied. "I was really happy to play in it.
"It was an emotional one, I remember watching them (Clasicos) as a kid, so to play in one and score in one… I've still got goosebumps now."
Former England forward Gary Lineker had earlier told reporters that he believes that Bellingham will win the Ballon d'Or within the next five years.
Reacting to that comment, Bellingham said: "It's very nice of him, but for me it's all about the team awards.
"But this is definitely one you look at when you're a kid."
Bellingham finished 18th in the vote for the 2023 Ballon d'Or award, which was won by Lionel Messi.
