The one of the most prestigious of sports, Laureus Sports Awards 2024 ceremony, held in Madrid. It was a grand celebration of the world’s best athletes and their remarkable achievements. The event honored several sporting icons who have left an incredible mark on their respective fields.
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, engraved his name in the records of Laureus history by becoming the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time. This achievement matched Roger Federer’s record for the most decorated male athlete in this category. Djokovic had previously won this coveted award in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady presented the award to Djokovic.
He expressed, “I am incredibly honoured to have won my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. I think back to 2012 when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am very proud to be here 12 years later, reflecting on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success.”
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In a historic moment, Aitana Bonmatí, a football star from Barcelona and the Spanish national team, became the first footballer to be named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. Her exceptional skills and sportsmanship on the pitch were celebrated, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, presented the Sportswoman of the Year Award to Bonmatí.
She expressed: “I am honoured to receive the Laureus for Sportswoman of the Year, and I am also very happy that my international team-mates have been recognised as the Team of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Academy”.
Not only that, she was also rewarded along with her Spain teammates for winning the Women’s World Cup last summer. “Our national team is a group like no other. Our strength comes from every challenge we have faced, both on and off the field of play,” said Bonmatí.
Comeback of the Year
Simone Biles, the American artistic gymnast, added another accolade to her impressive collection. With 37 World and Olympic medals, she is now the most decorated gymnast in history. Her remarkable comeback and outstanding contributions to the sport were duly recognized at the awards ceremony.
Breakthrough of the Year
Jude Bellingham, an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the England national team, was honored for his breakthrough performances. Carlos Alcaraz, a tennis ace and a Real Madrid fan, presented the award to Bellingham, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
Other Notable Awards
Action Sportsperson of the Year Award went to Arisa Trew.
Laureus Sport for Good Award: Fundación Rafa Nadal.
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Diede de Groot.
About the Laureus Sports Awards
The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual event that celebrates remarkable sporting achievements and showcases the initiatives of Laureus Sport for Good. Shortlists for various categories are created through votes from over 1,000 sports media professionals from more than 70 countries, while the International Paralympic Committee shortlists the World Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
The winners in each category are determined by votes from the Laureus World Sports Academy, a unique group of sporting legends. The event provides a platform for supporting Laureus Sport for Good by showcasing the incredible work done to transform young lives worldwide. The 2024 Laureus Sports Awards ceremony was a fitting tribute to the world’s greatest athletes and their achievements, highlighting the values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and excellence that inspire generations.
