Tennis icon Novak Djokovic made history once again by securing his fifth World Sportsman of the Year award, matching the legendary Roger Federer’s record. The Laureus Awards ceremony held in Madrid witnessed Djokovic, a remarkable 24-time Grand Slam champion, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
Djokovic, 36, demonstrated his unmatched prowess on the court by claiming three Grand Slam titles in the past year, alongside a triumphant victory at the ATP Finals. Expressing his gratitude, Djokovic remarked, “I am incredibly honored to have won my fifth. I think back to 2012 when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am very proud to be here 12 years later, reflecting on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success.”
Meanwhile, Spanish football sensation Aitana Bonmati etched her name in history by clinching both individual and team awards. Bonmati’s exceptional contributions led her to be crowned the Sportswoman of the Year, marking the first footballer to achieve this distinction. Her stellar performance with the Spanish national team, culminating in a historic Women’s World Cup victory, earned La Roja the esteemed World Team of the Year award.
Reflecting on their triumphs, Bonmati emphasized the unity and resilience of her team, stating, “Our national team is a group like no other -– our strength comes from every challenge we have faced, both on and off the field of play.” Additionally, Bonmati’s commendable efforts extended beyond the pitch, as she played a pivotal role in addressing sexism in Spanish football.
The ceremony also celebrated the remarkable achievements of other sporting luminaries, including England’s Jude Bellingham, gymnast Simone Biles, and tennis star Rafael Nadal. From breakthrough performances to inspiring comebacks, the Laureus Awards underscored the unwavering spirit and excellence within the global sporting community.
