At the prestigious Ballon d'Or gala 2023 in Paris, hosted by France Football, Jude Bellingham and Vini Jr. were both honored with significant awards. Bellingham, showcasing his midfield prowess, was awarded the Kopa Trophy, recognizing him as the best U21 player globally. His start to the season has been nothing short of phenomenal, with an impressive tally of 13 goals in his first 13 games since joining Real Madrid. This award follows his exceptional performance in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund, where he earned the title of the league's best player for the 2022/23 season.
His Real Madrid teammate, Camavinga, was also among the top contenders for the Kopa Trophy, having played a key role in Real Madrid's triumphs in the Club World Cup, the European Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey last season. The shortlist for the trophy was filled with notable young talents, including Hojlund, Balde, Pedri, Xavi Simons, Musiala, Antonio Silva, Gavi, and Wahi, each having shown remarkable skill and promise in their respective careers thus far. These recognitions at the gala underscore the emerging talent in world football and the bright futures that these young players hold.
Vini Jr. was honored with the esteemed Socrates Award at the Ballon d'Or gala, a recognition given to footballers who have shown a strong commitment to charitable and social causes. The Brazilian forward earned this accolade for his significant contributions through the Instituto Vini Jr. This initiative focuses on leveraging innovative educational methods to address social inequality in Brazil. It aims to provide access to quality education for those in underserved communities, with a particular emphasis on bridging the digital divide in the Brazilian education system.
The award saw other notable footballers nominated for their humanitarian efforts, including Vini Jr.'s Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger. Rüdiger's foundation is dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone. Completing the list of nominees for the Socrates Award were international stars Alex Morgan, Asisat Oshoala, and Marcus Rashford. Each of these athletes has made commendable efforts in their respective fields, using their platform and influence to drive positive social change and impact lives beyond the football pitch.
Both of the youngsters spoke for the press, thanking the supporters and leaving their messages. After picking up the prize, the English midfielder spoke to Realmadrid TV: “I'm really happy. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to try and do a good job every weekend. I'm really proud, it's nice to see people appreciate your hard work. It means a lot, people acknowledge your work and it's been a great year. But the most important thing for me are the trophies we win as a team. Here, it's about opinion and votes. What I want are the ones we win as a team and that the fans can enjoy”.
How it felt to receive the award: “My heart was beating out of my chest. I didn't know what to say, I hadn't prepared anything. I remembered my family and the people who are around me every day. 2023 has been a great year, so special. I've signed for the biggest club in the world, it's a big family. I want to keep playing like this for my teammates, the fans, and the staff at the club. I hope we can win some trophies this season”.
After picking up the accolade at the France Football gala, the Brazilian forward spoke then to Realmadrid TV: “I'm really happy to win this award and to be representing the children of the favelas in Brazil. They don't get too many opportunities but I can give them some. It's really important for me, my family and the people who work to make this a reality. I want to keep helping children to make sure they get the chance to decide what they want to do with their futures”.
He added: “The kids can learn about football and sports using technology. This helps them to study outside of school. We help around 2,000 children and we're growing all the time. We work all over Brazil and I'd like to help beyond its borders as well. In January we're going to start building a new school in my name, that will be free for all children to attend. I'm proud and happy. I'd like to congratulate Jude on his award as well, I'm thrilled for him”.
Fight against racism: “It's boring to have to talk about racism all the time but it's an important thing and I will talk about it as often as I have to. To have people abuse me at different stadiums is sad. I hope things can change, they are getting better. LaLiga, UEFA and FIFA can do more to make sure these people are not here among us”.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham further cemented his status as one of football's most promising talents by winning the Golden Boy award shortly after receiving the Kopa Trophy. Organized by Tuttosport, the Golden Boy award is highly prestigious, recognizing the top male and female players under 21 years of age playing for European clubs. The winner is selected by a panel of 50 sports journalists and the award is set to be presented at a special gala in Turin on December 4th. This latest accolade for Bellingham adds to his growing list of achievements, underscoring his exceptional form and highlighting his potential as a future star in the football world.
This year, the Golden Girl award was also won by a Real Madrid player. Linda Caicedo, at only 18 years old, has already made a significant mark in football by winning the prestigious Golden Girl award. Her remarkable contribution to Colombia's journey to the quarter-finals in the last World Cup, including a standout goal against Germany that was voted the best of the tournament, has earned her a nomination for the FIFA Puskas Award. Since her arrival at Real Madrid in February 2023, Caicedo has quickly become a key player, influencing the team's dynamics and earning a nomination for The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year Award 2023. Her rapid rise and impactful performances have already made her a standout figure in women's football.
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