Novak Djokovic wins Laureus Sportsman of the Year; Aitana Bonmati and Jude Bellingham also pick up awards

ByEurosport

Updated 22/04/2024 at 19:50 GMT

Novak Djokovic has won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equalling fifth time. Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The 69 sporting legends whose votes decide the award winners presented the prizes in Madrid.

'A special honour' - Brady presents Djokovic with Laureus Sportsman of the Year award

Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time.

Djokovic ended 2023 with three Grand Slam titles – the Australian Open, French Open and US Open – and only lost out in the final of Wimbledon after defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic has won a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam titles and has picked up his fifth Laureus award having also won it in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2019.

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The 36-year-old said: "I am incredibly honoured to have won my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. 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.

"It was thrilling to return to Australia last January and win my 10th title. It is a tournament that is so dear to my heart and set me up for an incredible 12 months. I could not have achieved so much success without an incredible team behind me, and inspirational rivals who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself.

"The Laureus Awards are so special because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. To earn the votes of my sporting heroes is what makes these awards so coveted in all of sport."

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award, becoming the first footballer to win the prize.

Bonmati won the Liga F and Champions League titles with Barcelona last year as well as the World Cup with Spain. She also picked up the World Cup Golden Ball and won the Ballon d’Or.

She said: "I am honoured to receive the Laureus for Sportswoman of the Year – and I am also very happy that my international team-mates have been recognised as the Team of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Bonmati thanks team-mates for 'incredible year' after winning Laureus award

"It is humbling to see the list of previous winners of this Award. From Serena Williams to Simone Biles, Lindsey Vonn, Naomi Osaka and last year’s winner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, they are all incredible athletes who have not only excelled in their chosen sports, but been incredible role models for younger generations of young women and girls.

"To be the first footballer to win this award makes it even more special and I hope to represent my sport in the same way that those great champions have done."

Following their World Cup success in Australia and New Zealand, Spain have been named the Laureus World Team of the Year, becoming the first all-female team to win the award.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award after a fine start to his time in Spain.

Bellingham scored 10 goals in his first 10 starts after completing a move from Borussia Dortmund last summer and netted the winner as Real Madrid beat Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday.