My boyfriend (M24) thinks I’m (F22) more important than he is. How can I help him see his own worth?

My boyfriend is one of the kindest and most selfless people I’ve ever met. But he truly believes that I’m more important than he is.

He has spent his whole life putting everyone else first. He never really learned how to ask for what he wants or even how to know what his needs are. I’ve been trying to make our relationship a space where he feels safe and valued. I check in with him often and ask about his wants and needs. I remind him that I want his real opinions. I tell him I don’t expect to be catered to and that his life, hobbies, and happiness matter to me. Sometimes I surprise him with little things. I’ll make a cozy blanket fort and snacks when he’s watching football, or put together a small kit with his favorite things and notes reminding him that he matters. I just want him to feel how special and important he is. But he still struggles to believe it. I don’t want him to shrink himself to make me comfortable. I want him to thrive. I want him to feel seen and loved.

Has anyone else been with someone like this? What helped your partner start to value themselves more?

TL;DR What can I do to help him build that sense of self-worth and equality in our relationship?