Football International

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham wins Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award

April 23, 2024
By Web Desk
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Jude Bellingham celebrates after netting goal. - Reuters

England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been awarded the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year accolade.

The 20-year-old has emerged as a pivotal figure for Real Madrid since his £89m transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

He netted the decisive goal against Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday, bringing his La Liga goal tally for the season to 17.

Bellingham was also instrumental in Real Madrid's victory over Manchester City on penalties in their Champions League quarter-final last week.

Tennis player Novak Djokovic clinched the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth occasion, while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati secured the women's equivalent.

Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, played a key role in her club's triumphs in Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Women's Champions League during the 2022-23 season.

Furthermore, she was a member of the Spanish squad that lifted the 2023 Women's World Cup, with their achievements earning them the Team of the Year award at the Laureus ceremony in Madrid.

"To be the first footballer to win this [women's] award makes it even more special," said Bonmati.

“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."

Full Laureus awards list

Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic

Sportswoman of the Year: Aitana Bonmati

Team of the Year: Spain women’s football team

Breakthrough of the Year: Jude Bellingham

Comeback of the Year: Simone Biles (gymnastics)

Sportsperson of the Year with a disability: Diede de Groot (tennis)

Action Sportsperson of the Year: Arisa Trew (skateboarding)

Sport for Good award: Fundacion Rafa Nadal