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Jude Bellingham admitted he was knackered after a grueling 24 hours, including scoring an El Clasico winner and winning the 2024 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award.
Bellingham, 20, picked up the Laureus Award at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid. Fortunately, that venue isn't too far from the Santiago Bernabeu where the English midfielder netted a last-gasp winner the previous evening.
The England international fired in a 90+1st minute effort to secure a 3-2 comeback victory for Real Madrid against Barcelona. That took his tally for the season to an incredible 21 goals and 10 assists in 36 games across competitions.
Jude Bellingham has made history during a scintillating start at the Bernabeu. He eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo, Pruden, and Alfredo Di Stefano by becoming the first Madrid player to score 14 goals in his first 15 outings.
Laureus acknowledged the former Birmingham City academy graduate's incredible feats with the breakthrough award. He spoke after being presented the award by tennis superstar and Madrid fan Carlos Alcaraz about his desire for trophy success at club and international level (via Madrid Xtra):
"It's been a crazy week and I'm tired. It has been a few days of madness. I hope to win more trophies with Real Madrid and with England."
Bellingham's winner against Barca puts Los Blancos within touching distance of the La Liga title. They moved 11 points clear of their El Clasico rivals with five games remaining.
The 2023 Golden Boy winner joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer for £89 million. He's added another individual award to his trophy cabinet but is gunning for more team trophies with the La Liga giants and England.
Fabio Capello tips Jude Bellingham to lead England to Euro 2024 glory
Jude Bellingham has also excelled at international duty with England over the past year. He's earned 29 caps to date, bagging three goals and five assists for the Three Lions.
Gareth Southgate will hope Bellingham is at his best this summer once Madrid's season concludes. He'll jet off to Germany for Euro 2024 with his national team and they are among the favorites to win the competition.
Former England boss Fabio Capello tipped the Three Lions to prevail because of their attackers including Bellingham. He said (via Yahoo! Sport):
"I like England. Their midfielders and forwards are the best – Bellingham, (Harry) Kane, (Bukayo) Saka. Right and left defenders is good, but I have some doubts about the centre-backs and the goalkeeper. It’s not the same level as the other part of the team."
England made it to the final of Euro 2020 but suffered a 3-2 loss on penalties to Italy after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Bellingham wasn't a member of Southgate's senior team at the time.
