Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati becomes first footballer to win Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

Barcelona midfielder and Balon d’Or has added another notch to her belt after an impressive year, as she becomes the first footballer to win the Laureus Sportswoman of the year.

Following a successful 2022/23 season with FC Barcelona, where she helped her team win their second UEFA Champions League title, the 26-year-old midfielder made a significant impact on the international stage. 

Bonmati played a key role in leading Spain to their first-ever World Cup and Nations League titles. Her outstanding performances earned her the Ballon d'Or and UEFA 'The Best' awards, and now she has been honoured at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

Bonmati made history by becoming the first footballer to win the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award. In addition to her individual achievement, she also represented the Spanish national team, which was named Laureus World Team of the Year. 

Spain's triumph at the World Cup, where they defeated England 1-0 in the final, earned them the prestigious team award. This marked the first time an all-female team has won the Laureus World Team of the Year award.

“I am honoured 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,” said Bonmati.

In addition to Bonmati's award, Novak Djokovic won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time. Jude Bellingham won the Breakthrough Award of the Year. The Spain women’s football team was named Team of the Year, and gymnast Simone Biles won the Comeback of the Year award.

Diede de Groot was awarded Sportsperson of the Year with a disability, and Arisa Trew received the Action Sportsperson of the Year award. The Sport for Good award went to Fundacion Rafa Nadal.