The Spanish women's soccer team and Spanish playmaker Aitana Bommatti were named Laureus World Team and World's Best Sportswoman at the 2024 Awards in Madrid.
It was a celebration for Spain, and Madrid hosted the 25th awards ceremony at the stunning Cibeles Palace in the city centre.
Spanish tennis superstar Rafa Nadal's Rafa Nadal Foundation works to inspire more than 1,000 young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Spain and India through sport and education.・Received the Sports for Good Award. Nadal was on hand to receive his award.
Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic, who won three of the four Grand Slam singles titles in 2023 and was an eliminated finalist at Wimbledon, is unsurprisingly the best ever. He was named World Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time. He won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
But for South Africa, it was the Springboks (Team of the Year), Siya Kolisi (Comeback of the Year), sailor Kirsten Neuschafer (Action Sports Athlete of the Year) and Justice Desk Africa ( There was nothing but disappointment as there were four nominees for Sports of the Year. good category) — all off.
my disappointment
The current Springboks are used to winning big games and tournaments, but they had no say in the outcome of the Laureus Team of the Year. It was a rare defeat for Kolisi's men.
Despite winning team of the year twice at the Laureus World Sports Awards following their Rugby World Cup success, the 2024 Laureus voting committee went in a different direction.
The Spanish women's soccer team, which won last year's World Cup, deserved to win in this category, which is packed with talented candidates.
It was a disappointing result for the Boks, but one that was not surprising, especially given that the Spanish women won despite problems with the Spanish federation and internal tensions between players and managers.
“Our national team is a unique group. Our strength comes from all the challenges we have faced on and off the field,” Bommati said.
“We believe we have met them all and that we inspire young girls in Spain and around the world not only to take up football, but also to take part in the sport and enjoy all the benefits it brings. I hope I can give.”
England's Manchester City, winners of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, were also overlooked in one of the most hotly contested Laureus categories.
Even more disappointingly, Kolisi lost out in the Comeback of the Year category. The award went to American gymnast Simone Biles. He took two years off due to mental health issues, but made a triumphant return in 2023, winning four gold medals at the World Championships in October.
Kolisi fought heroically just 130 days after knee ligament surgery to captain the Boks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This was another category full of worthy winners, including Ivory Coast and Dortmund star Sebastien Haller, who made his return to the top flight. Soccer after overcoming testicular cancer.
“I think we're all athletes and we all have some challenges that we face.” [that] Check what they are as they are very similar [fellow nominees] It’s empowering because you know you’re not alone in what you’re going through,” Haller said.
“A lot of people are going through some kind of hardship and I think this sport has the power to bring about positive change.”
Djokovic reigns again
Djokovic deserved to win in a category filled with great sportsmen of all eras.
The Serbian defeated footballers Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, and track and field stars Noah Lyles and Mondo Duplantis.
“It's a great honor to win the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award for the fifth time,'' Djokovic said.
“I remember 2012 when I won my first championship at the age of 24. 12 years later, I look back on a year that brought so much excitement and success to me and the fans, and I am so proud to be here.
“The Laureus Awards are very special because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. Gaining the votes of our sporting heroes is what makes these awards such It makes it coveted throughout the world.
“While I am truly delighted to be joining the ranks of the greats in the world of sport as the winner, I am also a supporter and fan of Laureus Sport for Good as I believe in the power of sport to make a difference in the world. .
“Finally, this Laureus statue stands on its own because it represents more than sporting achievements. Laureus’ mission to harness sport as a force for good has been transforming lives for 25 years. It embodies the values of its founding patron, Nelson Mandela.
“I look forward to further supporting Laureus Sport for Good and the work they are doing to change lives around the world.”
Soccer first
It was a night of double joy for Bonmati as she became the first footballer to be named Sportswoman of the Year.
“I am honored to receive the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award. I am also very happy that my international teammates have been recognized as Team of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Academy,” said Bonmati. .
“It’s humbling to look at the list of past winners of this award. From Serena Williams to Simone Biles, Lindsey Vonn, Naomi Osaka, and last year’s winner Sheree-Ann Fraser-Pryce, they All are amazing athletes who have not only excelled in their chosen sports, but are great role models for younger generations of young women.
“Being the first footballer to win this award is even more special and I hope to represent my sport in the same way that the great champions did.
“As the first women's team to win the Laureus Award, we are proud of our pioneering status and, as a group, are as committed to equality and representation as we are to our work on the football pitch. is.
“We know these values are shared by Laureus Academy and Laureus Sport for Good, and we work together around the world to improve the lives of at-risk girls and young women through sport. We support the work being done.”
wonderkind
English soccer prodigy Jude Bellingham has won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award, which is given to an up-and-coming sports star.
Real Madrid, who had just scored the winning goal, defeated Barcelona 3-2. el clasico Just 24 hours ago, Bellingham's award underscored his status as one of the most exciting prospects in world sports.
When Bellingham accepted the award, he was quick to acknowledge that with his fame and success comes responsibility.
“As an athlete, it's important to understand that as your popularity increases, you have a responsibility to those watching,” Bellingham said.
“I take this seriously. I'm not perfect and I make mistakes, but I can help people along the way and get to where they want to go because people have helped me.” I'm going to help you.
“It's been a great year and I'm really proud of it. It's been a crazy few days but I want to continue making memories with Real Madrid and England,” Bellingham said.
“It's been a crazy week and I'm a bit tired, but I think winning more trophies with Real and England at the end of the season will be a success.
“We still have a chance to win two trophies with Real.” [La Liga and Champions League] They will then play against England at Euro 2024. But it will require great effort and sacrifice. ”
He received the statue from tennis player Carlos Alacaras, the 2023 winner of this category. DM
The full list of winners is below:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Novak Djokovic
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aitana Bommati
Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Spanish women's soccer team
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Jude Bellingham
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Simone Biles
Laureus Sport for Good Award: Rafa Nadal Foundation
Laureus World Disabled Athlete of the Year Award: dide de groot
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Alisa True