“Legend of the Game” – Jude Bellingham Lauds Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Win After Winning Golden Boy Award

Just hours ago, Tuttosport conducted its annual award function to honor the best players in soccer. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham clinched the 2023 Golden Boy Award. Yet, amidst the celebration surrounding his triumph, the Englishman graciously turned the spotlight towards the living legend of the game, Lionel Messi, expressing his gratitude to join such a list!

Notably, just days ago, Bellingham had lifted the 2023 Kopa Trophy. It’s turned out to be quite a memorable year for the star midfielder as he’s picked up two major awards in a single calendar year!

Jude Bellingham heaps praise on the historic Ballon d’Or journey of Lionel Messi 

Jude Bellingham took center stage by winning the Golden Boy Award. It’s an accolade established by TuttoSport in 2003. After the win, the former Dortmund standout quoted a few words for his stellar win. Interestingly, one of the award presenters jokingly pointed out that, after winning the Golden Boy in 2005, Lionel Messi went on to win a record eight Ballon d’Or titles. 

To which the England superstar replied with humbling praise. He said, “Not a bad career, is it? He is a great legend of the game and one of the greatest ever to play, like I said, just to join that list is a real honor”.

While expressing his zeal to win the award, Jude Bellingham vocally applauded the Argentine for his historic wins. Indeed, these are some heartfelt words from the midfielder. 

Notably, Jude Bellingham is the third England player to win this award after Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling. Surprisingly, he also became the first Real Madrid player to win this award. Further, he also won the Golden Boy Web. On that note, let’s see the other recipients who lifted their awards on a glittering night in Turin. 

The full list of Tuttosport Award winners 

Real Madrid fans have another reason to celebrate, as Columbian teenage sensation Linda Caicedo won the Golden Girl 2023. Rival side FC Barcelona also saw their stars pick up trophies, with Aitana Bonmatí winning the Golden Player Woman and Lamine Yamal clinching ‘The Youngest’ award for 2023. 

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Meanwhile, Erling Haaland won the Golden Player Man 2023 but couldn’t attend the event due to domestic commitments. Furthermore, Juventus defender Federico Gatti was honored with the Fair Play award, while Roberto De Zerbi claimed the Targa Pozzo for best coach. 

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