Class 03 Golden Boy: Bellingham's 97 percent, Carletto's influence and Next-Gen projections

A 27-year tradition and some of the greatest footballers of the 21st century on the list of winners since 2003. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, just to name a few. And not just them by chance, because only they could at least measure up to the unanimous support that Jude Bellingham, the new Golden Boy of European and world football, received this year...

All those who follow football even on an occasional basis know that the Golden Boy is an award given by Italian Tuttosport to the best young player, not older than 21 years. At first, the expert committee consisted of 30 journalists from the most influential European newspapers, in 2018 that number jumped to 50, and since last season, as many as 50 "judges" have been voting.

And although the competition was fierce this season, because the names of Bayern's Jamal Musiala, Barca's Lamine Yamal, Leipzig's Xavi Simons or Warren Zaire-Emery from Paris Saint-Germain were also in the running, Bellingham simply blew them all away. Quite logically, he hasn't been just playing football for a long time now - he litteraly carries Real Madrid on his 20-year-old back.

That is why it is not surprising that in the Tuttosport poll he received 485 out of the maximum 500 points, or 97 percent of the votes. Only Mbappe had such a percentage of absolute support, in the period when there were 30 "voters". As many as 45 out of 50 judges chose Bellingham as the best young player, the remaining five placed him in second place. To make everything even clearer, Bellingham was also declared the best in an internet poll of ordinary fans.

Believe it or not, Real Madrid got their first-ever Golden Boy, another reason for Bellingham to be proud.

"I can say that I know very well how honored I am by receiving this prestigious trophy. Because it has been shared since 2003, the year I was born. After Wayne Rooney, one of my idols, and Raheem Sterling, I am the third Englishman to win this award," Bellingham told Tuttosport.

Satisfied also because it ended Barça's years of dominance, as the last two awards ended up in the hands of Pedri and Gavi. Bellingham is also in his last year of being able to compete for the award, because next season it will be too late for him, he still managed to get his hands on a valuable trophy.

"I really wanted it, because you only win this trophy once".

Then the usual thanks to the club, family, teammates... But also to Real's physiotherapist who helped him return to the field quickly after the collarbone injury.

Although, even if it went slower, Bellingham probably would have won the Golden Boy anyway. He was dominant this year. 14 goals for Borussia. For Real Madrid in just five months - 15 goals with four assists. He is unstoppable.

"I am trying. I am fiercely committed to progress and work. But praise goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found me the right position and gave me freedom on the field. That's why I'm flying now".

So much so that he is even compared to Kaka, although Bellingham from the period in Dortmund did not resemble the famous Brazilian at all.

"It's true, although in one aspect I'm still a disappointment if you compare me to him... I don't speak Spanish yet. Sorry, but I have some difficulties with this language. It's hard for me, I admit. But I guarantee maximum commitment".

Aside from the Spanish, what does he promise on the field?

"I like to compete and I am ambitious. So I want to move forward fast. I hope that this trophy will only be a springboard for new trophies".

And there is a specific question for Bellingham, who does he see as the successor when we delete class 03 from the competition next season?

"First, let me say hello to my friend Jamal Musiala from Bayern, he was second, and we were roommates in the junior national team categories of England for about three years. And for the next year, I will single out three names. Arda Guler, who has recovered from an injury that prevented him from making his debut for Real, is a phenomenon, we saw him in training and he charmed us all. Then another one of my former teammate Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. And finally my brother Jobe."

But Jobe plays for Sunderland, in the English second-division? The rules don't allow him to be nominated.

"For now. But if the Black Cats make it to the Premier League - pay attention," Bellingham concluded.