On Monday, April 22nd, Jude Bellingham, the midfielder for England and Real Madrid, clinched the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award. 

The 20-year-old has swiftly become a pivotal figure for Real Madrid following his £89m transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer. 

His goal in El Clasico against Barcelona last Sunday marked his 17th goal in La Liga this season. 

Bellingham also played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final, securing the win with penalties. 

Jude’s achievements are undoubtedly paving the way for his younger brother, Jobe, who also plays football for Sunderland in the United Kingdom. At the age of 18, Jobe will surely look up to his older brother as Jude continues to make his mark in football history.

Novak Djokovic secured the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time, while Aitana Bonmati, the midfielder from Spain and Barcelona, clinched the women’s equivalent. 

As the reigning Ballon d’Or recipient, Bonmati contributed significantly to her club’s successes in Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Women’s Champions League during the 2022-23 season. 

She was also part of the Spain side that triumphed in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, 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