England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has won the 2023 Golden Boy award – given to the best under-21 player in Europe.

The Golden Girl award went to 18-year-old Linda Caicedo of Real Madrid and Colombia.

The 20-year-old Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, has 13 goals in 14 games.

This honour follows his recognition at the October Ballon d’Or ceremony as the world’s best under-21 football player.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey so far at Birmingham, Dortmund and now Madrid. It wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said.

“Lastly and most importantly my family who give me the support and motivation and love every day to keep striving.

“Now I have this prestigious award I want to keep going. I want to keep pushing the limits of my potential and hopefully many more trophies to come.”

Since Raheem Sterling’s victory in 2014, when the Chelsea winger was a Liverpool player, Bellingham is the first English player to receive the honour.

Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are among the other noteworthy winners.

This time, Haaland of Manchester City was honoured by taking home the Golden Player Man title.

It follows the 22-year-old’s incredible 52 goal season in 53 appearances during his incredible rookie campaign at the Premier League champions.

Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona and Spain, was named the Golden Player Woman.

The 25-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or last month, has gained more notoriety after an incredible year in which she assisted her club in winning the Champions League and the Spanish top flight, as well as helping her nation win the World Cup.

During the ceremony, Tony Bloom of Brighton was named Best European President, and Edu Gaspar, the sporting director of Arsenal, was named Best European Manager.

Photo by EPA/Quique Garcia