He may be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or but Jude Bellingham has already been ranked as the world’s best footballer – by the makers of popular card game Top Trumps.
It comes after the West Midlands-born star helped lead his side Real Madrid to victory in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Top Trumps said the 20-year-old had beaten the likes of Lionel Messi to the number one spot primarily due to his estimated market worth of €150m (£128m) – coupled with his talent and potential.
Bellingham is expected to be a key player for England when the national team compete in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
According to bookmakers, Bellingham is second favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or – the prestigious award given to the world’s best footballer – behind his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr.
In a recent interview, the midfielder told Sky News that he did not “feel like a kid who’s at the top” because his family had helped keep him grounded.
He said: “I feel like I go in every day to work like everyone else, and I’m just privileged that my work I enjoy it as much as I do.”
A total of 200 players feature in Top Trumps’ new World Football Stars range, which is being released in stages over the coming months.
The game involves cards containing a list of numerical data – with the aim for players to try to “trump” their opponent’s card to win it.
A spokesperson for the game said: “Jude Bellingham ranks number one primarily due to his impressive market worth, his exceptional talent and potential.
“At just 20 years old and at the start of his career, his remarkable performances on the field and leadership qualities already set him apart and above most players.
“His ability to dominate the midfield and his consistency in top-tier competitions make him an inspiration, securing his place at the top of our rankings and taking him to the number one spot.”
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Argentina star Messi, 36, has won far more trophies than Bellingham, including a World Cup, multiple club titles and the Ballon d’Or eight times, although he has had a far longer career.
However, Top Trumps said Messi’s estimated market worth of €35m (£30m) put him below the Englishman and at number five in its rankings.
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Top Trumps is yet to reveal the final line-up of its 10 best players, as not all its new packs have been released yet, but said another Englishman was in the top five.
Other contenders include Kylian Mbappe, who has just signed a five-year deal to join Bellingham at Real Madrid, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
Female players in the game’s latest deck include England’s Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson and Millie Bright.
