At a gala held at the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid, the Laureus awards, known as the “Oscars of sports.” The thing is that, unlike other awards, those who define those recognized are the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, among whom are, to mention a few, former footballers Luis Figo, Ruud Gullit and Alessandro del Pierogymnastics Nadia Comanecitennis players Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova or the cyclist Miguel Indurain. In this edition, the person who won the scepter for best male athlete was Novak Djokovicwho outbid the nominees Lionel Messilast year’s winner, Erling HaalandManchester City star, athletes Mondo Duplantis and Noah Lyles, and the driver and three-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
Nole, 36, was chosen because “last year he won titles at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, to reach an impressive career tally of 24 Grand Slam singles triumphs.” Thus, he won the fifth Laureus in his career (I had already obtained it in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019). Messi, who defended the statuette although he could not travel to Spain due to scheduling issues (he is working with Inter Miami ahead of Saturday’s duel against New England Revolution for the MLS), added it to his showcase in 2020 and 2023.
Djokovic thanked all the participants of the party, highlighting the names of his colleagues (Carlos Alcaraz, Rafa Nadal and Navratilova, among others), and the support of his team and his family. “There is much to come”he warned, raising his guard in a year in which he has not yet reached his best level.
At the gala, which was attended by celebrities from the world of sports such as Usain Bolta renowned Real Madrid fan, to the point that he was excited when he met Jude Bellinghem, anointed as the “revelation of the year”, was also there Rodrigo DePaul representing the Atlético de Madrid. World and American champion with the Argentine team, the midfielder attracted attention for his look, with a suit with a bow and his hair combed with gel tightly back.
“In general terms it has been a great season, reaching the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, reaching the quarterfinals in the Champions League, we qualified for the Club World Cup, and for it to be a great year we have to qualify for the next Champions League.” , said the former Racing in front of the camera Brand.
LIST OF WINNERS OF THE LAUREUS 2024
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Novak Djokovic
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Aitana Bonmatí
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR: Spanish women’s soccer team
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR: Jude Bellingham
LAUREUS AWARD FOR BEST WORLD RETURN OF THE YEAR: Simone Biles
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD DISABLED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Diede de Groot
LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD ACTION SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Arisa Trew
LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD AWARD: Rafa Nadal Foundation
