Jude Bellingham, who had a remarkable season with Borussia Dortmund and England, has been awarded the 2023 Kopa Trophy.
Despite losing out to Pedri in 2021, Bellingham has now claimed the prestigious award and was presented with it during the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night.
“I want to thank everyone. Birmingham City, Dortmund, Real Madrid. My teammates and most importantly my family… Thank you and there’s more to come,” Bellingham said after receiving the award.
Bellingham showcased his exceptional skills as a midfield powerhouse for Dortmund throughout the previous season, exhibiting remarkable consistency by participating in all but three Bundesliga matches. Not only did he contribute significantly with 14 goals and seven assists across various competitions, but his performances played a crucial role in propelling BVB tantalizingly close to clinching the long-awaited league title.
However, their aspirations were shattered on the final day when they succumbed to a devastating defeat against Mainz, allowing their fierce rivals Bayern Munich to claim the top spot.
Furthermore, Bellingham’s talents were recognized on the international stage as he represented England in the 2022 World Cup, making a notable impact by finding the back of the net in the team’s opening match against Iran.
The prestigious award was ultimately bestowed upon the Madrid midfielder, triumphing over a formidable lineup of contenders including Jamal Musiala, Pedri, Eduardo Camavinga, Xavi Simons, Alejandro Balde, Antonio Silva, Rasmus Hojlund, and Eleye Wahi.
