(Football news) Barcelona's 18-year-old midfielder sensation Gavi has been crowned the world's best Under-21 footballer at the Ballon d'Or awards. The Spain international has been named as the winner of the 2022 Kopa Trophy as Gavi beat off competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala and Eduardo Camavinga to scoop the prize. Gavi's Spain and Barcelona team-mate Pedri won the award last year and previous winners include the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Matthijs de Ligt.

Last year Gavi quickly burst onto the scene and became a regular starter for Barcelona and Spain despite his lack of top-level football experience. The midfielder has already made 60 appearances for the Catalan giants, despite only turning 18 this August. Barcelona secured his long-term future by handing him a massive contract in September that contained a €1 billion release clause. Gavi is the youngest player ever to score for Spain in a competitive game as he found the back of the net against Ukraine in the Nations League at the age of 17 years and 304 days. The teenager was recently left out of Barcelona's starting XI for El Clasico but will be hoping to return to Xavi's side to take on Villarreal in La Liga at the Camp Nou.

Many fans believe England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham was robbed of the trophy as he finished down in fourth place on the list. After a season in which the former Birmingham City youngster had grabbed all the attention of all the biggest clubs. Bellingham is having one hell of a season and became just the second teenager to score in the opening three games of a Champions League group. There is expected to be a huge demand for the England international next summer, with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United amongst those linked with him.

"I try and give the best of myself the whole time and try to apply myself in the best way," Gavi said after picking up the award from team-mate Pedri. 

Gavi added. "We spend a lot of time together and I hope we are playing together for many years to come."

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