Lionel Messi is the overwhelming favourite to walk away with a record eighth Ballon d’Or after he led Argentina to the pinnacle of football.
Yet, that will not be the only highlight on the night. The Women’s Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy and the Kopa Trophy are on the agenda as well, and there is interest for Real Madrid fans on that front.
Real Madrid phenom with the accolade
According to reports from MARCA, Jude Bellingham won the Kopa trophy later during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
He will thus be proclaimed the best U21 player in the world, succeeding Barcelona’s Gavi as the holder.
The accolade is only fitting, for he took Dortmund to the cusp of the Bundesliga title and also shone for England in the World Cup in Qatar.
He has reportedly won the award by a landslide and is also the favourite to take home the Golden Boy award this season.
Notably, Bellingham is also nominated for the Ballon d’Or for his performances with Borussia Dortmund and The Three Lions.
His start to life at Real Madrid is worthy of the prestigious award, but will count for next year’s edition.
