Jude Bellingham, the midfielder for England and Real Madrid, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award.
The 20-year-old has emerged as a crucial player for Real Madrid since his Β£89m transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
He netted the decisive goal against Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday, bringing his total to 17 goals in La Liga this season.
Bellingham also contributed to Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final, which was decided by penalties.
The Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award was presented to tennis player Novak Djokovic for the fifth time, while Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Spain and Barcelona, received the women’s equivalent.
Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or recipient, played a key role in her team’s triumphs in Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Women’s Champions League during the 2022-23 season.
She was also a member of the Spain squad that claimed victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, leading to them being named the team of the year at the Laureus event in Madrid.
“It is truly special to be the first female footballer to receive this award,” Bonmati remarked.
“As the inaugural women’s team to win the Laureus, we take pride in our pioneering status and are dedicated to promoting equality and representation, both on and off the field.”