England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has won the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best player aged under 21.
The 20-year-old was recognised at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Bellingham has enjoyed a stunning start to his career at Real Madrid, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games since joining in the summer.
The Kopa Trophy recognises his performances last season, during which he scored 14 times in 42 games for Borussia Dortmund.
He also helped England reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.
Bellingham was picked ahead of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, with former winners – Barcelona pair Gavi and Pedri – as well as Real team-mate Eduardo Camavinga also up for the award.
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.”
