Laureus Awards 2024: Real Madrid is the “World's Best Sports Club”

Real Madrid won the Champions League for the 15th time after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final in London, England on June 2, 2024. (Photo: THX/TTXVNN)

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the two best athletes of the year – Armand Duplantis and Simone Biles, living symbols of extraordinary strength, desire and endurance in elite sport .

Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, a world record holder and two-time Olympic champion, was named “Male Athlete of the Year.”

At 25, Duplantis beat out tennis legend Novak Djokovic, Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and French swimmer Leon Marchand to take the podium. He becomes only the second athlete – after Usain Bolt – to receive the prestigious award.

In the women’s category, Simone Biles, the eternal icon of American gymnastics, was honored as “Female Athlete of the Year” for the fourth time, equaling the achievements of “Queen of Tennis” Serena Williams. With 3 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal at the Paris Olympics last summer, Biles once again affirmed her legendary status.

Speaking emotionally at the awards ceremony, she shared: “I received this award for the first time in 2017 and Laureus has been a part of my story ever since. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl watching me on TV and thinking that she can do it too.”

Not only is the ceremony a place to honor the monuments, it is also a stage for promising young talents. Lamine Yamal - a football prodigy of FC Barcelona and Spain - made a big splash when he won the "Breakthrough of the Year" award.

At just 17 years old, Yamal has had a stellar season for his club, and has made a major contribution to Spain winning EURO 2024 – a rare achievement for such a young age.

In the collective category, we cannot fail to mention Real Madrid - the team that affirmed its dominance by winning the double of the 15th Champions League title and La Liga championship.

The Spanish Royal Football Team was honored as the “Best Sports Club in the World,” affirming the proud position of a famous “white empire” in football history.

The atmosphere in Madrid was even more emotional when the “Comeback of the Year” award was given to gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who overcame injury to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics (France).

Also at the awards ceremony, “King of Clay” Rafael Nadal, who officially retired last November at the age of 38, received the Sports Icon Award – a touching tribute to the great sporting journey he has dedicated over nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, American surfing legend Kelly Slater, also received the “Lifetime Achievement” award, closing a ceremony filled with sportsmanship, extraordinary will and timeless beauty of people who always strive for the top./.

According to VNA

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