Jude Bellingham could follow in Man Utd legend’s footsteps

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 6 Dec 2023 15:17 GMT
• 3 min read

Jude Bellingham has given a Manchester United legend a mention after winning the Golden Boy Trophy.

The England international, who is claimed to be the best player in the world right now following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in a deal worth €131 million, earned the accolade on Tuesday night. Past winners have included the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Wayne Rooney.

Upon collecting the award, Bellingham talked up the former England international, who was a hero to him when he was playing in the academy.

After picking the award, Bellingham said: "It’s about trying to make my team and my country the best teams in the world. I think to be the best player in the world, that’s what you have to do, to help your teams win. To join that list is such a big honour.

"For me, I would probably say that Rooney was my biggest influence growing up. Being from England, the way he played, the way he fought. But there are so many other players I’ve taken bits from."

What did Jude Bellingham say about Wayne Rooney?

Bellingham won the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2022-23 as Borussia Dortmund finished runners-up in Germany last term.

This campaign, he is the current top scorer for Real Madrid, netting 15 times in 17 games across all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

It comes after Bellingham earlier won the Kopa Trophy in October, which is also awarded to the best Under-21 player worldwide.

His efforts have helped Los Blancos sit top of La Liga and in the Champions League standings, with Bellingham being played as a No.10 in and behind the striker, which is typically former Newcastle striker Joselu.

Bellingham will no doubt feature in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, and should he win that, there will be questions asked about whether he can win the Ballon d’Or.