Barcelona Legend Hristo Stoichkov Criticizes Jude Bellingham's Golden Boy Award

Former Barcelona player, Hristo Stoichkov, has expressed his disapproval of Jude Bellingham being named the winner of the Golden Boy Award. Despite acknowledging Bellingham's talent, Stoichkov believes the young Englishman does not deserve the prestigious accolade.

Bellingham's Impressive Year Earns Him the Golden Boy Award

Jude Bellingham, aged 20, secured the Golden Boy Award after an outstanding year for both club and country. He was selected from a pool of 25 nominees that included notable names such as Jamal Musiala, Rasmus Hojlund, Evan Ferguson, and Levi Colwill.

Stoichkov Compares Bellingham to Football Icons

Stoichkov may not agree with Bellingham winning the award, but he sees the midfielder as a combination of three football legends: Michael Laudrap, Kaka, and Paul Pogba. According to Stoichkov, Bellingham possesses the qualities of these esteemed players.

Bellingham's Achievements and Future Prospects

Although Stoichkov questions Bellingham's worthiness of the award, the young talent has had an impressive season. He contributed 14 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Borussia Dortmund before joining Real Madrid for a record-breaking £115 million. Bellingham has since scored 13 goals and provided three assists in 14 matches for Real Madrid.

Stoichkov Criticizes Bellingham's Lack of Trophies

Stoichkov argues that Bellingham's goal-scoring abilities are not enough to justify the Golden Boy Award, as the midfielder is yet to win a trophy with his club. Stoichkov highlights Borussia Dortmund's near-miss in the Bundesliga, where they lost the title to Bayern Munich by a single goal difference.

Stoichkov's Alternative Choices for the Award

Stoichkov reveals that if he had the power to decide, he would have given the Golden Boy Award to either Alejandro Balde or Jamal Musiala, both of whom he believes are deserving of the accolade.