Djokovic and Bonmati Clinch Top Honors at Laureus Awards
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati were awarded the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on Monday, celebrating their outstanding achievements in 2023.
Djokovic received his fifth Laureus award, presented by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, after a remarkable season where he matched Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. His victories at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, along with his runner-up finish at Wimbledon, showcased his dominance in the sport.
Bonmati, a key midfielder for Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team, added the Laureus accolade to her impressive list of honors, including FIFA’s The Best, the Ballon d’Or, and the World Cup MVP. She also accepted the Team of the Year award on behalf of the Spanish women’s football team, marking the first time a female squad has won this honor.
The ceremony recognized emerging talents as well, with England’s Jude Bellingham named Breakthrough Player of the Year. The midfielder has made a significant impact in his debut season with Real Madrid, becoming the first footballer to win this award.
American gymnast Simone Biles was honored with the Comeback of the Year award after clinching four gold medals at the World Championships, including a record sixth all-around title, following a two-year hiatus from the sport.
In other categories, wheelchair tennis player Diede de Groot received the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award after securing her third consecutive calendar Grand Slam. Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew was recognized as the Action Sportsperson of the Year.
The Rafa Nadal Foundation was awarded the Laureus Sport for Good Award for its impactful work supporting vulnerable young people in Spain and India. The foundation’s programs focus on education and sports as tools for social integration and personal development.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, established in 2000, honor the most outstanding athletes and teams across various sports. Nominees are selected by global media, and winners are determined by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
Full List of Winners:
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Aitana Bonmati
- World Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic
- World Team of the Year: Spain Women’s Football Team
- World Breakthrough of the Year: Jude Bellingham
- World Comeback of the Year: Simone Biles
- World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Diede de Groot
- World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Arisa Trew
- Laureus Sport for Good: Rafa Nadal Foundation
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
