JUDE Bellingham’s El Clasico double is set to confirm his imminent crowning as Europe’s finest young talent.
England star Bellingham has been the favourite to win the Golden Boy award all year, even before his move to Real Madrid.
GettyJude Bellingham is expected to win this year’s Golden Boy award[/caption]
Wayne Rooney was the first Englishman to win the award in 2004Rex Features
PA:Press AssociationRaheem Sterling is the only other Englishman to collect the award[/caption]
But sources in Spain claim that Bellingham is nailed on to win the award, presented by Italian sports daily Tuttosport and now in its 21st year.
Bellingham’s closest rival is former Croydon schoolboy and now Bayern Munich starlet Jamal Musiala.
It is also thought that he had competition from Manchester United‘s summer signing Rasmus Hojlund and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
But the Englishman, who destroyed Italy in this month’s Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley and has now scored 13 goals in as many appearances for the Bernabeu outfit, appears set to be confirmed as the new Prince of European football next month.
Bellingham would be only the third Englishman to win the prize – for players who are 21 and under at the start of the season – after Wayne Rooney in 2004 and Raheem Sterling in 2014.
Other notable winners include Lionel Messi in 2005, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in 2020.
The award has been dominated by Barcelona over the past two seasons, with first Pedri and then Gavi scooping the prize.
Bellingham, though, would be the first Real Madrid player to take the honour.
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The award will be announced in Turin at a ceremony on November 10.
Bellingham’s most recent moment of glory came in the El Classico against Barcelona.
The midfielder scored a stunning equaliser from range before going on to net the winning goal in injury time.
Bellingham has even been compared to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo by team-mate Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian said: “Jude Bellingham is incredible.
“He always makes a difference and the fans got used to Cristiano Ronaldo and now one more has arrived for us.”