Tennis star Novak Djokovic has matched Roger Federer’s record of five Laureus World Sportsman of the Year awards after being honored at a ceremony in Madrid on Monday. Djokovic, who won three Grand Slams and the ATP Finals last year, expressed his pride in receiving the award for the fifth time.
Aitana Bonmati made history as the first footballer to win the Sportswoman of the Year award. She also shared the World Team of the Year award with her Spain teammates, who captured the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
England’s Jude Bellingham was named World Breakthrough of the Year for his impressive performances with Real Madrid. Gymnastics icon Simone Biles earned the World Comeback of the Year award for her return to the sport after facing mental health challenges.
Rafael Nadal’s foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Spain and India, won the Sport for Good award. Diede de Groot, a Dutch wheelchair tennis player, was recognized as the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Arisa Trew, a 14-year-old Australian, claimed the World Action Sportsperson of the Year award for her skateboarding achievements.
