Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham could not hide his admiration for Lionel Messi on the night he won his eighth Ballon d'Or.
The England midfielder celebrated the first major individual prize of his career at the Ballon d'Or ceremony with the coveted Kopa Trophy. After being named the best men's player in the world under the age of 21, he was unequivocal in his response when asked who should win the main honour.
"It's World Cup year and Lionel Messi had a fantastic World Cup, he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or," Bellingham said. He got his wish, with Messi beating Erling Haaland to the top prize.
Despite now playing for Barcelona's big rivals, Real Madrid, Bellingham made it clear he's a huge fan of Messi and everything he's achieved, particularly at the World Cup in Qatar.
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With legendary former Three Lions stars Gary Lineker and David Beckham proudly watching on, the ex-Borussia Dortmund talent gave a moving speech as he picked up his own prize. After receiving his award from recent retiree Eden Hazard, he said: "I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. From Birmingham to Dortmund and now Real Madrid and the national team. Thanks for the support, it means a lot – and more to come."
The Kopa Trophy recognised his contributions for Borussia Dortmund last term as he scored 14 times in 42 games as they missed out on the Bundesliga title on the last day. The 20-year-old has since had a staggering start to life in the Spanish capital after making his move to La Liga to join Real Madrid over the summer.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was on stage to receive the Kopa Trophy during the Ballon d'Or award ceremony (AP)He already has an incredible 13 goals in as many games since moving to Madrid, with his recent sublime El Clasico capping off a fairytale run. The boy wonder scored a 30-yard screamer to equalise against Barcelona, before notching a last-minute winner to etch his name into Los Blancos folklore.
Speaking about his heroics on the red carpet as he arrived at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, he said: "I watched El Clasico as a little kid. It was a really emotional game for me. It means a lot to play for the biggest club in the world and to wear that shirt, honestly, I still get goosebumps right now."
It was also revealed to Bellingham that compatriot Lineker had tipped him to win the main prize at some point in the next five years, which immediately left the Madrid star looking embarrassed. Responding humbly after being asked who he thought had said that, he replied: "Wasn't me, was it? Ah.. that's very nice."
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