Jude Bellingham has paid tribute to Wayne Rooney as his “biggest influence” growing up just as the England starlet picked up the Golden Boy award for the best Under-21 player in Europe.
The Real Madrid sensation was named as the winner of the coveted annual prize in September, and collected his prize on Monday evening at a ceremony in Turin.
Bellingham joins an elite list of players to win the award inclusive of the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and two other Englishmen: Raheem Sterling and Rooney.
On receiving his two prizes, the Absolute Best and Golden Boy Web awards, Bellingham paid tribute to former England and Manchester United great Rooney.
“It’s about trying to make my team and my country the best teams in the world,” Bellingham said.
“I think to be the best player in the world, that’s what you have to do, to help your teams win. To join that list is such a big honour.
