Novak Djokovic, Jude Bellingham, Simone Biles and Aitana Bonmatí were among the big winners in Madrid, as Spain was at the centre of world sport with an unrivalled collection of sport’s greatest talents celebrating the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards.
On this, the 25th staging of the unforgettable evening at the historic Palacio de Cibeles in the heart of the city, Djokovic was named ‘Laureus World Sportsman of the Year’ for a record-equalling fifth time, whilst England striker, Bellingham, who was on familiar territory, won the ‘Breakthrough of the Year Award’ – the first footballer to do so – after an electrifying start to his time with Real Madrid. Biles was honoured with the ‘Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award’ after a sensational return to gymnastics following a two-year hiatus.
Hosted by Hollywood star Andy Garcia, the event that has risen to the top of the sporting calendar – attended by some of the best athletes on the planet together with past sporting giants, plus influential figures from the world of fashion, film and entertainment - the Awards were broadcast live to millions around the world, alongside blanket coverage across media and with the sporting world set alight on social channels by the unique gathering of athletes from across all sports only seen at the Laureus Awards.
Amongst the guests presenting those statuettes were three of the biggest names in global sport. Seven-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady, presented Djokovic with his award; all-time sprint legend, Usain Bolt, presented the Sportswoman of the Year Award to Bonmatí; and last year’s ‘Breakthrough of the Year Award’ winner, Carlos Alcaraz, handed the Laureus for that category to Real Madrid’s Bellingham.
Bonmatí made double history: for picking up the ‘Laureus Sportswoman of the Year’ and in doing so become the first footballer to win the prestigious Award and for representing the Spain team who won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The world champions are now the ‘Laureus World Team of the Year’ and the first all-female team to win the Award.
“The Laureus mission of using sport as a power for good has been changing lives for 25 years and embodies the values of its founding patron, Nelson Mandela,” Djokovic said. “I want to add my support to Laureus Sport for Good and the work they are doing to transform lives around the world.”
At this 25th Laureus Awards, the message of its’ founding Patron, Nelson Mandela, remains true: “Sport has the power to change the world.”
The full list of Winners is:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Novak Djokovic
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aitana Bonmatí
Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Spain Women’s Football Team
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Jude Bellingham
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Simone Biles
Laureus Sport for Good Award: Fundación Rafa Nadal
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Diede de Groot
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Arisa Trew
