Jude Bellingham has been declared the world’s top footballer by Top Trumps, surpassing Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi in the World Football Stars Top 200 series.
The 20-year-old Real Madrid and England midfielder clinched the top spot following his pivotal performance in the Champions League final at Wembley, contributing to Real Madrid’s 15th European title.
Bellingham added a personal touch to his victory by asking former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho to take a photo with his mother, humorously saying, “Sorry about that, my mum’s fancied you for years.”
The Top Trump ranking also highlights Poland’s Ewa Pajor as the top female player, placing her at 32nd overall. Other notable female players include England’s Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson, and Millie Bright.
The rankings provide a fresh dimension for children to debate during car rides, joining other categories like age, goals, and height.
After the match, Bellingham expressed gratitude to his family, stating: “This is the best night of my life.
I was all right until I saw my mum and dad’s face.
The amount of nights where they can be at home by seven o’clock and they’re doing trips at 11 and 12 at night to take me to football.
My teammates, the staff, my family.
The team behind the team is like the physios. It’s a massive group effort. I just can’t believe it.
“I always dreamed of playing in these games.
You go through life and there are so many people who say you can’t do things.
It gets hard at times but nights like tonight make you realize it was worth it and all those kinds of things.
I can’t have dreamed of much more this season. I’m so grateful.”
Reflecting on his £88m transfer to Real Madrid, Bellingham credited his mother as the most significant influence in his life, saying, “Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs and I stay pretty humble because I’ve got her around.
She’s a great laugh as well.”
Bellingham is expected to join the England squad for their final friendly before Euro 2024 against Iceland at Wembley, fitness permitting.
A Top Trumps spokesperson commented on Bellingham’s ranking: “Jude Bellingham ranks #1 based on his extraordinary talent, versatility on the field, and the remarkable impact he has made on the game at such a young age.
“Not only is he highly valued in terms of his market worth, but his ability to dominate the midfield, coupled with his leadership qualities and consistent performance in top-tier competitions, makes him an inspiration and solidifies his place at the No 1 spot.”
