Ballon d’Or: Bellingham wins Kopa Trophy for world’s best young player

England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham claimed the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best player under the age of 21 during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.

The 20-year-old has made an impressive start to his Real Madrid career, netting 13 goals in his first 13 games since his summer move.

The Kopa Trophy recognizes his performances in the previous season, where he scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and played a pivotal role in England’s journey to the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.

Bellingham was selected over Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, with previous awardees such as Barcelona’s Gavi and Pedri, as well as Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga, also in contention for the honour.

He said: “It is a great list of players [to have won this award before].

“It is an honour to be in front of some of the best players in the world here and some of the best to have ever played the game.

“To win this trophy means a lot but for me the important thing is team trophies and the important thing for me is to kick on and help Real Madrid and England win trophies for many years.”