Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham celebrated individual success on Monday after picking up personal accolades at the Golden Boy gala in Turin, Italy.
England and Real Madrid midfielder, Bellingham, was awarded the coveted Golden Boy award that recognises the most impressive young male footballer over the last calendar year.
Bellingham has starred since joining Madrid in a £115m summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 15 goals in all competitions so far and breaking Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record for the most goals scored in a players first 15 games at the Spanish giants.
The 20-year-old is already regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and Monday’s achievement demonstrates the high regard Bellingham is held in.
Meanwhile, Manchester City goalscorer Erling Haaland beat Lionel Messi to claim the Golden Player Man award for his stunning exploits that helped the club clinch the Treble last season.
Jude Bellingham was awarded the coveted Golden Boy award at a ceremony in Turin, Italy
Bellingham has starred with Real Madrid so far this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions
Bellingham was given a rockstar’s welcome as he was mobbed by paparazzi covering the gala, but demonstrated his delight after receiving his top prize.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Bellingham said: ‘I can’t be more grateful to all the people I have met along the way to help get me to the point I am at now.
‘It’s about trying to make my team and country the best teams in the world and to be the best player in the world you have to help your teams win and to join that list is such a big honour.
‘I think Wayne Rooney was probably my biggest influence growing up, obviously being from England and the way he played, the way he fought, but there are so many other players that I’ve taken bits from.
‘I’m really grateful for everything football has given me so far in my life and the support from my family to keep playing and keep enjoying it has been huge,’ he added.