Jude Bellingham’s remarkable season for Real Madrid and England earned him the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award.
After completing a transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer, the 20-year-old has made a name for himself as the main man for the Spanish powerhouse.
.
He attended Monday night’s Madrid celebration after playing a key role in Sunday’s El Clasico triumph over Barcelona, and his 21 goals are unsurpassed by any of his Madrid teammates.
With a 3-2 victory and a late winner, Bellingham virtually guaranteed that Catalonia would bring the La Liga trophy to the capital.
The England star contributed to Madrid’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals as well. Before Antonio Rudiger sent Carlo Ancelotti’s team to the final four, Bellingham quietly scored his penalty in the shootout.
.
The other major winners at Monday night’s ceremony, which took place in Madrid’s Galeria de Cristal, were Novak Djokovic and Aitana Bonmati.
After winning the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open to take the lead with 24 grand slam men’s singles titles, Djokovic was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-tying sixth time.
“Winning my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award is an immense honor,” Djokovic said.
.
I recall winning it for the first time as a 24-year-old in 2012. Looking back on a year that was full of success and excitement for me and my supporters, I am really proud to be here twelve years later.
Returning to Australia in January of last year and winning my tenth title was an exciting experience. I hold a special place in my heart for this event, which has prepared me for an amazing year.
“Without an amazing team supporting me and motivating rivals who have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, I could not have accomplished so much success.”
.
Being the first football player to win the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year medal and representing Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Bonmati took the stage twice to accept two honors.
“Looking at the list of past winners of this award is humbling,” she stated.