Jude Bellingham’s dad posts a heartfelt tribute to his son after the Real Madrid superstar WON the Kopa award at the 2023 Ballon d’Or – which he accompanies with a touching throwback of the 20-year-old from his Birmingham City days

• Jude Bellingham claimed the prestigious Kopa Award at the 2023 Ballon d’Or
• The 20-year-old has made an incredible start to life with the LaLiga giants
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Mark Bellingham paid tribute to his son as his meteoric rise in the game was recognised with the Kopa Trophy on Monday night. 

Jude Bellingham has exceeded the astronomically high expectations that accompanied his £113million transfer to Real Madrid last summer. 

The 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in his first 13 games for the Spanish giants and has established himself as the star man for both club and country. 

For this Bellingham took home the trophy for the best young player in world football at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards. Following the gong, which promises to be the first of many honours in a glittering career, his dad took to social media to thank those involved in his son’s startling development. 

‘Kopa 2023 award for good kid who’s growing into a good man.’ He wrote on X, formerly, Twitter. ‘Happy for him. It’s a nice moment for all those teachers and coaches who have been part of the journey. Good people who kept it all fun.’

Mark Bellingham accompanied his message with a throwback image of the superstar back in his days with Birmingham City

Bellingham’s ‘supportive’ family include mum Denise, dad Mark, and younger brother Jobe

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Bellingham came 18th on the list of Ballon d’Or nominees, only one spot above another Englishman who has been stealing hearts on the continent, Harry Kane.

The award came just two days after the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder turned in yet another match-winning performance in the Clasico against Barcelona. 

Bellingham scored a stunning second half equaliser before claiming the winner in stoppage time to send Carlo Ancelotti’s men four points clear of their rivals. 

On a night that saw Lionel Messi take home the main prize for a record-extending an eighth time after winning the World Cup with Argentina, Bellingham emerged as a frontrunner for future instalments. 

‘I’ve been really welcomed by everyone at the club, my teammates, the staff, everyone behind the scenes, so really it’s down to them,’ he said in his acceptance speech. ‘I’m always confident in my ability, but they help me express it.’

‘To me the most important thing is team trophies. Now I’ve got this one it’s important that I try and kick on and help Madrid and England win trophies,’ he added.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

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