Real Madrid Makes History as Jude Bellingham Clinches Golden Boy Honour
Yesterday marked the annual Golden Boy Gala, where Jude Bellingham claimed the prestigious Golden Boy Award, while Lamine Yamal graced the podium to receive an accolade.
Unsurprisingly, Jude Bellingham emerged victorious at the Golden Boy ceremony, showcasing a stellar season at Real Madrid where he has risen as the standout player for Los Blancos. Despite his midfield role, he leads La Liga's scoring chart with an impressive 11 goals.
Bellingham's dominance was evident as he secured the Golden Boy award with an overwhelming 97% of votes from nominated journalists, solidifying his iconic status at Real Madrid, evident from the passionate fan reception in Turin.
With a rockstar presence, Bellingham's impact extends beyond the pitch, marking a milestone for Real Madrid as he becomes the first white-clad player to receive this prestigious accolade.
During the ceremony, Bellingham expressed gratitude, emphasizing the honor of the Golden Boy recognition and his joy in playing for Real Madrid. Humble acknowledgments were made to teammates, while Wayne Rooney was singled out as a significant role model.
Bellingham's achievement extended beyond one trophy, securing both the standard and reader-voted versions, reflecting overwhelming public support with three million votes.
In the female category, Real Madrid celebrated further success with Colombian international Linda Caicedo, although absent due to injury. Accompanied by Emilio Butragueño, Bellingham also brought back Caicedo's trophy as the best young women's player.
Lamine Yamal was also present at the ceremony. The Barcelona youngster won the “The Youngest” trophy, as he with his 16 years of age was the youngest ever to be on the podium for the Golden Boy nomination.
The broader awards included Erling Haaland as the best player, Bonmatí as the top female footballer, Edu Gaspar as the best manager, De Zerbi as the best coach, Ali Barat as the best agent, and various others recognized for their contributions to the sport.
In essence, Jude Bellingham's Golden Boy triumph not only celebrates his individual excellence but also marks a historic moment for Real Madrid, solidifying his position as a football icon on the rise at global football stage.