Rodri backs Lionel Messi to win 2023 Ballon d'Or ahead of Erling Haaland
Football![Rodri backs Lionel Messi to win 2023 Ballon d'Or ahead of Erling Haaland](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/d433860864cafb2b.webp?v=1)
Jude Bellingham, having clinched the Kopa Trophy at the prestigious 2023 Ballon d'Or Awards on Monday, October 30, is now focused on securing accolades with Real Madrid.
The young talent received the Kopa Trophy, an esteemed accolade recognizing the most outstanding footballer under the age of 21, at an extravagant event in Paris, just moments before Lionel Messi claimed his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.
Since his transition from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer, the 20-year-old has demonstrated remarkable progress.
According to Transfermarkt, the Englishman has already scored 13 goals and provided three assists across various competitions.
Rodri backs Lionel Messi to win 2023 Ballon d'Or ahead of Erling Haaland
FootballIn addition to his impressive scoring record, he has earned the La Liga Player of the Month title once and is being touted as a potential contender for next year's honours.
Acknowledging the role of his club in nurturing his talent and helping him reach new heights, Jude expressed his determination to surpass the Kopa Trophy's achievement and set his sights on securing trophies with both Real Madrid and the England national team.
“It’s been really good at Real Madrid. They help me express my ability," he said during his acceptance speech after winning the Kopa Trophy, as cited by MadridXtra.
"It’s an honour to be here and to win this trophy, but I want to win trophies for Madrid and England.”
When questioned about his choice of shirt number, previously donned by the legendary Zinedine Zidane during his tenure at Real Madrid, Bellingham confidently remarked:
"Number 5 shirt? A little bit of Zidane, but there were not many options left."
Jude Bellingham's remarkable performance persists as he secures another award
FootballSports Brief also reported that Bellingham was officially declared the winner of the 2023 Kopa Trophy at the just-ended Ballon d'Or Gala.
The Real Madrid midfielder was honoured during a luxurious ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
The Kopa Trophy has previously been claimed by notable talents, including Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri Gonzalez, and most recently, Barcelona's Pablo Gavi since its inception in 2018.