• 

Jude Bellingham's ranks in the public vote for the 2023 Golden Boy Web Award have risen as a result of a campaign launched by Taylor Swift supporters attempting to protect their idol.

The 12-time Grammy winner is one of the world's most popular performers, and her passionate supporters are eager to defend her on social media if required - albeit they seldom comment on football.

However, a viral post spurred a social media campaign that appeared to be led by 'Swifities' - the star's fan army - that appeared to put the Real Madrid sensation leagues ahead of one of his opponents in the race for the award, Barcelona's Alejandro Balde.

With a tweet on Tuesday that drew attention to a specific comment from Balde, a Real Madrid fan account is alleged to have sparked the avalanche of votes for Bellingham over the Blaugrana young star.

The X (previously Twitter) user provided a remark from the 19-year-old about his music preferences from May, with him stating 'Do I like Taylor Swift? No, I don't like her music."

Taylor Swift's ardent fans turned against Balde and asked fellow fans to support Bellingham instead, once it was revealed that he didn't like the singer's songs.

Both Bellingham and Balde have strong claims to the award, which will be determined by a panel of journalists in November.

Bellingham has made a fantastic start to his Real Madrid career, scoring five goals and contributing an assist in Real Madrid's first four games.

One Real Madrid player offered a presumably tongue-in-cheek rallying chant to the 'Swifties,' which was quickly exploited.

Balde has established himself as a valuable member of Xavi Hernandez's squad since making his senior team debut in 2021, appearing 44 times in all competitions for the league champions.