Spanish women among top Laureus award winners
Djokovic is world sportsman of the year
Spain's first Women's World Cup triumph last year earned two more major plaudits at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday.
Spain was chosen world team of the year for 2023 and midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was picked as the best sportswoman. Novak Djokovic received the sportsman of the year at the ceremony in Madrid, and American gymnast Simone Biles was given the comeback of the year award. Real Madrid forward Jude Bellingham earned the breakthrough prize, and Rafael Nadal won the sport for good award thanks to his foundation.
The Spanish women's World Cup breakthrough last August in New Zealand and Australia was tarnished in the following weeks because of an unwanted kiss of forward Jenni Hermoso by thenfederation president Luis Rubiales after the final.
Laureus rewarded Spain as
I want to thank all my teammates and the staff of my club and national team who have helped me a lot, and because of them I am here today,
Aitana Bonmati, Spain midfielder
the first all-female team to win the team award.
Before the World Cup, Bonmatí also helped Barcelona win a second Women's Champions League. She's the first female soccer player to win the Laureus, after also receiving the Ballon d'Or and FIFA best player award.
"I want to thank all my teammates and the staff of my club and national team who have helped me a lot, and because of them I am here today," Bonmati said.
Djokovic won his recordequalling fifth Laureus sportsman award - tying Roger Federer - after titles at the Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open to reach a record 24 Grand Slam singles triumphs.