Jude Bellingham gives Birmingham City shout-out during Ballon d’Or speech after winning Kopa award

Jude Bellingham made history on Monday night (October 30) after winning the Kopa Trophy to be crowned the world’s best young player.

The Stourbridge-born midfielder was handed the award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, in which Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a record 8th time.

The England international has enjoyed a brilliant start to his Real Madrid career, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games since joining the club in the summer and he arrived in Paris after scoring both goals in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in El Clasico just two days before.

The former Birmingham City player won the prestigious award ahead of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, Gavi, Pedri and Real team-mate Eduardo Camavinga . During his speech Bellingham also thanked Birmingham for helping him progress during the earlier stages of his career.

He said: “I Just wanted to thanks everyone who has helped me get to this point. From Birmingham City, to Dortmund and now Madrid with the national team.

“And most importantly my family, my mum and dad here tonight and my brother back at home. Thanks for all the support - more to come.”

Bellingham wasn’t the only West Midlands winner at the world’s top footballing awards. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez won the Yashin Trophy as he was crowned the best performing goalkeeper of the year thanks to his performances during Argentina’s World Cup winning campaign.