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.

Haaland’s sensational debut season in Manchester saw him bag 52 goals in 53 games for Pep Guardiola’s side including scoring the most goals in a single Premier League campaign.

The evening also celebrated the women’s game with Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati being recognised as the best women’s player.

The 25-year-old won the Champions League with the Catalan club before going on to lift the Women’s World Cup trophy with Spain.

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.

Haaland didn’t attend the event but posted his thoughts online where he described his achievement as an ‘honour’.

Share or comment on this article: Jude Bellingham WINS the 2023 Golden Boy prize after his stunning displays for Real Madrid, while Erling Haaland beats Lionel Messi to the Golden Man award… and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati is named the Golden Woman.