Rasmus Hojlund: Man United forward among 10 superstars to be nominated for Kopa Trophy

Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has been nominated for the prestigious Kopa Trophy in 2023 alongside some superstar names such as Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.

Hojlund, 20, appears on the list for the first time after his breakout season for Atalanta and Denmark.

Currently top goalscorer in the qualification stages for Euro 2024, Hojlund has impressed on the international stage which – alongside his form in the Italian league – earned him his dream move to United.

Hojlund scored nine goals in the Serie A last term and got four assists in just 1,834 minutes of football – which averages a goal contribution every 141 minutes in the division.

The winner of the 2023 Kopa Trophy, which is named after former French footballer Raymond Kopa, is an award for the best young talent within the sport. It is voted by previous Ballon d’Or winners and is also open to players from outside of Europe, unlike the Golden Boy award.

Hojlund is in esteemed company in the list with Real Madrid duo Camavinga and Bellingham two of the favourites for the award. Barcelona also have three players included in Gavi, Pedri, and Alejandro Balde.

Xavi Simons of PSG, on loan at RB Leipzig, is also there as well as Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Antonio Silva (Benfica), and Elye Wahi (RC Lens).

Hojlund’s new teammate Alejandro Garnacho misses out despite having an excellent year with Manchester United and emerging into the Argentine set-up.

After beginning in 2018, the Kopa Trophy includes four different winners (cancelled in 2020 due to Covid) and a current United player coming in second place.

Jadon Sancho, then at Borussia Dortmund, came as the runner-up to Matthijs de Ligt in 2019 after a stellar season in the Bundesliga. Kylian Mbappe won the award in 2018, whilst Pedri and Gavi were crowned in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Both Hojlund and Garnacho have also been nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy award alongside a host of talented young players.

Hojlund is set to make his return to the national team this international break with fixtures against San Marino and Finland awaiting.