Jude Bellingham has been crowned the Golden Boy of 2023, beating out some of the most talented young players in Europe. The award, given by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, recognizes the best player under the age of 21 who plays in one of the top European leagues. Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid and England, has had a phenomenal year, scoring 13 goals in 13 games for his club and becoming a key member of the national team.
From Birmingham to Madrid
Bellingham started his career at his hometown club Birmingham City, where he made his debut at the age of 16 in 2019. He quickly established himself as a regular starter, impressing with his versatility, maturity, and creativity. He scored four goals and provided three assists in 44 appearances for the Championship side, earning the admiration of many top clubs.
In 2020, he joined Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £25 million, making him the most expensive 17-year-old in history. He continued his development in Germany, playing alongside stars like Erling Haaland, Marco Reus, and Jadon Sancho. He helped Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal in 2021, scoring in the final against RB Leipzig. He also made his debut for England in the same year, becoming the third-youngest player to represent the Three Lions.
In 2022, he made a sensational move to Real Madrid, signing a six-year contract for a fee of £80 million. He was reunited with his former Dortmund teammate Haaland, who had also joined the Spanish giants. Bellingham wasted no time in adapting to his new surroundings, scoring on his debut against Celta Vigo. He has since become a fan favorite at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring crucial goals in big games like the El Clasico against Barcelona and the Champions League against Napoli.
A Complete Midfielder
Bellingham’s main strength is his ability to play in any position in midfield, from defensive to attacking. He has a rare combination of physicality, technique, vision, and intelligence, which allows him to dominate the game on both ends of the pitch. He can win the ball back, dribble past opponents, create chances, and finish them with aplomb.
He is also a leader on and off the field, showing a remarkable level of maturity and professionalism for his age. He is respected by his teammates, coaches, and opponents, who praise his work ethic, attitude, and personality. He is also a role model for young players, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, as he has spoken out against racism and discrimination in football.
A Bright Future Ahead
Bellingham has already achieved so much in his short career, but he is not resting on his laurels. He has expressed his desire to keep improving and pushing his limits, as he aims to win more trophies and honors with his club and country. He has also set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, which has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the past decade.
Bellingham has already won the Kopa Trophy, which is given by France Football to the best player under the age of 21 in the world. He is also widely expected to win the Golden Boy award, which will be announced on December 4 by Tuttosport. If he does, he will join the likes of Messi, Rooney, Mbappe, and Haaland, who have also won the award in the past.
Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and promising talents in world football, and he has the potential to become one of the best players of his generation. He is the Golden Boy of 2023, and he is only getting started.
