Bellingham, wins Laureus Breakthrough award
"I have to thank many people, my family, friends and above all the people at Real Madrid who have helped me this year," said the madridista.
Jude Bellingham was presented by tennis player Carlos Alcaraz with the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award at the gala held at the Palacio de Cibeles. The madridista prevailed in this category over Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo, tennis player Coco Gauff, swimmer Qin Haiyang, middle-distance runner Josh Kerr, and FC Barcelona striker Salma Paralluelo. The winners of the Laureus Awards are chosen by an international jury composed of personalities from the world of sport.
The English player is enjoying a brilliant first season at our club, having already scored 21 goals. In addition, he has earned the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy in the last year, which accredits him as the best under-21 footballer. He was also voted best player in the Bundesliga in his last season at Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham: "Being named Laureus Breakthrough is a privilege"
At the end of the ceremony, Bellingham spoke to Realmadrid TV: "I'm delighted. Simply being here was already an honour. Being named Laureus Breakthrough is a privilege and I have to thank many people, my family, friends and above all the people at Real Madrid who have helped me this year. Being here is a privilege, alongside incredible athletes. I hope I can learn something from them tonight before I go home."
"It's been a good week for the club and on a personal level. When the team wins, I'm always happy. I feel a bit tired after the Clásico and the 120 minutes in Manchester and this award gives me a bit more energy. This club is special. Signing for Real Madrid is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It's the highlight of 2023. I'm grateful to be able to play here every day and to be surrounded by very special people. "
The ceremony also featured madridista Ivana Andrés, who together with Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo received the Laureus 2024 Award for the Best Team awarded to the Spanish national football team after winning the Women's World Cup in 2023. The Real Madrid captain said: "It's an achievement that reflects the hard work of Spanish women's football. Every woman has done her bit and let's hope it's the first of many triumphs.”