Jude Bellingham Wins Laureus World Sports 2024 Breakthrough Award.
England and Real Madrid’s rising star, Jude Bellingham, clinched the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career. The 20-year-old midfielder has swiftly established himself as a pivotal figure at Real Madrid following his £89m transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Bellingham’s impact on the pitch has been palpable, highlighted by his decisive goal against Barcelona in the recent El Clasico, taking his La Liga goal tally to an impressive 17 for the season. Additionally, his contributions were instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final, clinching the win on penalties.
In other Laureus accolades, tennis icon Novak Djokovic secured the Sportsman of the Year award for an impressive fifth time, underscoring his continued dominance in the sport.
On the women’s front, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati received the Sportswoman of the Year honor. Bonmati, who holds the Ballon d’Or, played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumphs in Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Women’s Champions League in the 2022-23 season. She was also part of the victorious Spain team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, earning them the Team of the Year recognition at the Laureus ceremony in Madrid.
Expressing her delight, Bonmati emphasized the significance of being the first female footballer to receive this prestigious award, highlighting the team’s commitment to equality and representation both on and off the football pitch.
The full list of Laureus awardees includes:
Novak Djokovic as Sportsman of the Year, Aitana Bonmati as Sportswoman of the Year, the Spain women’s football team as Team of the Year, Simone Biles for Comeback of the Year in gymnastics, Diede de Groot for Sportsperson of the Year with a disability in tennis, Arisa Trew for Action Sportsperson of the Year in skateboarding, and Fundacion Rafa Nadal receiving the Sport for Good award.
