Jude Bellingham, the talented 20-year-old midfielder from England and Real Madrid, has been named the winner of the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award. Since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid last summer for a staggering £89 million, Bellingham has quickly established himself as a key player for the team.
One of the standout moments of Bellingham’s season came in the highly anticipated El Clasico match against Barcelona. He scored the winning goal, taking his tally to an impressive 17 goals in La Liga this season. This performance not only showcased his immense talent but also demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games.
In addition to his domestic success, Bellingham played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s triumphant Champions League campaign. In the quarter-finals, they faced the formidable Manchester City and emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout. Bellingham’s contributions on the pitch were instrumental in securing this crucial win for his team.
The Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award was presented to tennis player Novak Djokovic for an outstanding fifth time. Djokovic’s dominance in the sport is unparalleled, and this recognition further solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats.
Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder from Spain and Barcelona, claimed the women’s equivalent of the Laureus award. Bonmati, who is also the current Ballon d’Or holder, had a phenomenal season. She played a crucial role in helping Barcelona secure victories in Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Women’s Champions League during the 2022-23 season. Furthermore, Bonmati was a key member of the Spain national team that clinched the 2023 Women’s World Cup title. This exceptional achievement not only earned her individual recognition but also contributed to the team of the year award for Spain women’s football team at the Laureus ceremony in Madrid.
Bonmati expressed her delight at being the first female footballer to win this award, emphasizing the significance of this milestone. She stated, “To be the first footballer to win this [women’s] award makes it even more special. As the first women’s team to win the Laureus, we are proud of our status as pioneers and as a group, we are as committed to equality and representation as we are to what we do on the football pitch.”
The complete list of award winners at the Laureus ceremony includes Novak Djokovic for Sportsman of the Year, Aitana Bonmati for Sportswoman of the Year, Spain women’s football team for Team of the Year, Jude Bellingham for Breakthrough of the Year, Simone Biles for Comeback of the Year (gymnastics), Diede de Groot for Sportsperson of the Year with a disability (tennis), Arisa Trew for Action Sportsperson of the Year (skateboarding), and Fundacion Rafa Nadal for the Sport for Good award.
Jude Bellingham’s remarkable rise in the football world and his recognition as the Breakthrough of the Year at the Laureus awards highlight his immense talent and potential. As he continues to excel for Real Madrid and England, it will be captivating to witness his future accomplishments on the pitch. Similarly, Aitana Bonmati’s achievements not only showcase her exceptional skills but also represent a significant step forward for women’s football, emphasizing the importance of equality and representation in sports.