Who needs the Ballon d’Or? Jude Bellingham named world’s best footballer by Top Trumps
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.
Jude Bellingham’s Top Trumps card. Pic: Top Trumps
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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Bellingham: I have to pinch myself
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.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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