Bellingham is named as the best player in the world by TOP TRUMPS

Forget the Ballon d'Or, Jude Bellingham has been named as the best player in the world by Top Trumps.

The Real Madrid and England star has taken spot in a new ranking system, beating the likes of team-mate Vinicius Jnr, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.

It comes after Bellingham helped his side to victory in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Bellingham is expected to be a key player for England at this summer's European Championship, and he is a contender for the Ballon d'Or award.

But for now, the 20-year-old has been given the nod by the popular card game Top Trumps, as part of their World Football Stars Top 200 series.

He has come out on top due to his estimated market worth of £128m - coupled with his current talent and massive potential to get even better in the coming years.

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.'

Top Trumps revealed Bellingham to be their No 1 player in a video on Instagram.

They have also partnered up with Gary Lineker's The Rest is Football Podcast, who in their own video on Instagram revealed that Messi is No 5 - though valued at just £30m.

Lineker joked: 'We all know how Top Trumps works. So you've got their age, you've got their height, so that's probably why he's fifth as he's not really big.

'I think it will take some beating for his caps for his country at 180. But he's got something in common with Alan Shearer, he's never won the FA Cup.'

The top 10 in full has yet to be revealed, as not all its packs have been released yet, though the likes of Mbappe, Haaland, Vinicius and Harry Kane are likely to feature.

Top Trumps judges players from both the men's and women's game together, with the top female player in the 200 being Poland's Ewa Pajor - who ranks overall at 32nd.

England trio Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson and Millie Bright also feature in the list.

Despite his Ballon d'Or credentials, Bellingham believes his team-mate Vinicius is the best player in the world.

He said: 'I always felt that the Ballon d'Or and those kind of things were like for strikers and wingers, the flashy players.

'I know I can entertain a crowd but no one can do it like Vini. I've said before that when he is at his best, he's the best player in the world. I know he likes to say the same about me and that's the kind of relationship we have.

'You don't always have to be friends with your team-mates but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well, and then on the pitch it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other's movement and if he was to win it I'd feel just as proud as if I'd won it because I know that I've helped contribute to his success.'