Linda Caicedo named Golden Girl 2023
"I'd like to thank everyone who believed in me for their votes, and Real Madrid, because without them this wouldn't have been possible," said the Colombian, whose trophy was picked up by Emilio Butragueño at the ‘Tuttosport' gala in Turin.
Linda Caicedo has won the Golden Girl Award 2023, as the best U-21 player at a European club, at the ceremony hosted by Tuttosport in Turin. The madridista, who was unable to attend the gala as she recovers from injury, sent a message of gratitude for the prize, which was picked up on her behalf by Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations: "I'm so grateful for this award and I'd like to congratulate all the nominees, especially Bellingham for the incredible season he's having at Real Madrid.
I'd also like to apologise for not being present at the gala. I would be honoured to be there but I have to be here in order to continue recovering from my injury. Thanks to Emilio Butragueño for picking up the prize on my behalf, I couldn't think of anyone better to represent me. I'd like to thank everyone who believed in me for their votes, and Real Madrid, because without them this wouldn't have been possible. I'm also so grateful to the Colombia National Team, my family and my partner, who have always been there for me throughout this process and have kept helping me grow both individually and collectively."
The madridista, who scoops the accolade at just 18 years of age following a vote by 50 sports journalists, delivered some outstanding displays at the World Cup with Colombia, spearheading a run to the quarter-finals. Her goal against Germany was also voted goal of the tournament and nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award. At Real Madrid, she has proven one of our most exciting prospects since touching down at the club in February 2023. Linda Caicedo has also been nominated for FIFA The Best Player 2023.
After picking up the award, Emilio Butragueño had some words of praise for the Colombian star: “She is an extraordinary player and she's showing that for Real Madrid, having already done so at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand for her country, Colombia. She is a hugely important player for us and we have immense faith in her in the present and for the future. To speak of our philosophy, of course what we want is to grow as a team every season and also contribute to the growth of women's football around the world. She is an phenomenal talent and of course, this award acknowledges her consistent efforts. Real Madrid is incredibly proud to have a player of her quality."