Aitana Bonmati makes history with Laureus award win

FC Barcelona star and Balon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and the Spanish women’s national team made history at the Laureus Awards ceremony.

The Barcelona midfielder achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first footballer to win the Sportswoman of the Year award, while la Roja earned the title of Sports Team of the Year, making them the first all-women team to receive this honor.

Bonmati, already a Balon d’Or winner, added another prestigious accolade to her collection following a stellar year. Her outstanding performances in the 2022/23 season with FC Barcelona, where she played a crucial role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, propelled her to international stardom.

The 26-year-old midfielder continued to shine on the international stage, leading Spain to victory in their first-ever World Cup and Nations League campaigns. Her remarkable achievements, including winning the Ballon d’Or and UEFA ‘The Best’ awards, culminated in her historic win at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

At the Laureus Awards ceremony, Bonmati made history once again as the first footballer to claim the Sportswoman of the Year award. Additionally, she proudly represented the Spanish national team, which was honored as the Laureus World Team of the Year.

Spain’s triumph at the World Cup, where they clinched victory over England in the final, secured them the esteemed team award. This groundbreaking achievement marked the first time an all-female team received the Laureus World Team of the Year recognition.

Expressing her gratitude, Bonmati stated, “I am honored to receive the Laureus for Sportswoman of the Year – and I am also very happy that my international teammates have been recognized as the Team of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Academy.”

Among the other winners at the Laureus Awards were Novak Djokovic, who claimed the Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time, and Jude Bellingham, who won the Breakthrough Award of the Year. The event also celebrated gymnast Simone Biles’ remarkable comeback with the Comeback of the Year award, and honored individuals in categories such as disability sports and action sports. Additionally, Fundacion Rafa Nadal received the Sport for Good award for their impactful work in the community.