Following his €131 million (£114 million/$138 million) summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, the England international has been sensational. Following in the footsteps of past winners like Rooney, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, he now holds the Golden Boy trophy as a reward for his achievements. At a ceremony in Turin on Monday night, Bellingham proudly accepted the golden ball and paid tribute to Wayne Rooney, an icon in his life who he has adored since childhood. Rooney was a wonderful player for England and Manchester United.

After accepting the honor, Bellingham stated, “It’s about trying to make my team and my country the best teams in the world.” That, in my opinion, is what it takes to be the greatest player in the world: contribute to your teams’ victories. I am incredibly honored to be included on that list.

Rooney was, without a doubt, the most influential person in my life when I was a kid. He played and fought like an Englishman because of his heritage. A lot of other players, though, have inspired me in some way.

When it comes to 2023, Bellingham is second to none. Borussia Dortmund finished in second place in Germany’s top division in 2022–23, and he was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season before he sailed to Spain. With 15 goals in 17 games for Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid squad in all competitions, he has quickly become the team’s top scorer. The Kopa Trophy, given annually to the world’s top Under-21 player, was previously won by Bellingham in October.

Bellingham has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent success, propelling the team to the top of La Liga and the Champions League rankings. On Saturday, he’ll be back in action for Real Madrid as they travel to Real Betis. However, that same day, Rooney will captain Birmingham as they face Coventry in the Championship.