Jude Bellingham Clinches IFFHS Playmaker Award 2024, Surpassing Messi & De Bruyne

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has achieved another career milestone, securing the prestigious IFFHS Men’s World Best Playmaker Award for 2024.

The England international’s exceptional performance throughout the year has set him apart from some of the game’s biggest names, including Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi, to claim the coveted title. This latest recognition highlights Bellingham’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most influential midfielders.

Bellingham’s Remarkable Rise to the Top

Jude Bellingham has consistently impressed since his move to Real Madrid, and his creative contributions have been pivotal in the team’s success. This season, his blend of vision, passing accuracy, and playmaking ability culminated in a stellar achievement. With 133 Playmaker points, Bellingham topped the rankings, leaving behind elite competitors like De Bruyne (96 points), Messi, and Toni Kroos.

The Playmaker award, given annually by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), celebrates the most influential creators in football. The award’s criteria consider a variety of factors, including assists, chances created, and overall impact on the pitch. Bellingham’s extraordinary performances with Real Madrid and the England national team made him a deserving winner of this year’s accolade.

A Year to Remember for Bellingham

Bellingham’s success story in 2024 is a testament to his development as a player. After a brilliant debut season in Spain, which saw him play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, UEFA Supercup, and Supercopa, his contributions on the field have been impossible to ignore. In addition to his club achievements, Bellingham’s stellar performances for England, which saw him reach the final of the UEFA European Championship, further bolstered his credentials as one of the world’s top playmakers.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Bellingham said. “It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in at Real Madrid and with the national team, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates and coaches.”

Beating Legends: De Bruyne and Messi Left Behind

Bellingham’s achievement is all the more impressive when you consider the stiff competition. Kevin De Bruyne, often hailed as one of the finest playmakers in the world, came in second place with 96 points. The Belgian midfielder, a multiple-time winner of the Playmaker Award, has long been recognized for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, another footballing legend, finished in fifth place. Messi, who has won five IFFHS Playmaker Awards and 14 IFFHS accolades overall, remains one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Despite his success with Argentina and Inter Miami, Bellingham’s creativity and influence on the pitch in 2024 were enough to outshine Messi in this particular category.

The IFFHS Rankings: Top Creators of 2024

The top five players in the 2024 IFFHS Men’s World Best Playmaker rankings were a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents. Bellingham’s 133 points put him well ahead of De Bruyne, who secured second place with 96 points. In third place was Toni Kroos, the veteran midfielder of Real Madrid, who has been a regular fixture in the Playmaker rankings for several years. Kroos, who won the award in 2014, continues to impress with his passing and vision, earning him a place in the top three once again.

Jamal Musiala, a rising star for both Bayern Munich and Germany, finished in fourth place. Musiala, who has been a revelation in recent years, is widely regarded as one of the future stars of European football. His combination of skill, flair, and intelligence on the ball makes him a natural playmaker for both club and country.

The Future Looks Bright for Bellingham

At just 21 years old, Bellingham’s future in the game looks incredibly bright. His combination of maturity, technical ability, and leadership on the pitch suggests that this Playmaker Award may be the first of many individual honors to come. Having already earned two IFFHS Men’s World Best Youth Player Awards in 2022 and 2023, Bellingham is well on his way to becoming one of the most influential figures in modern football.

With Real Madrid continuing to compete at the highest levels, and England’s hopes resting on his shoulders, Bellingham’s influence on the game is only set to grow. His recognition as the world’s best playmaker in 2024 cements his place among the elite of world football and signals the arrival of a new generation of talent ready to shape the future of the beautiful game.

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