It’s just a matter of time before the results are out for the 2024 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. The 25th edition of this prestigious event is set to unfold at Madrid’s iconic Palacio de Cibeles tonight. Sporting legends from across the globe, past and present, will gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes and teams from 2023.
With excitement reaching a fever pitch among fans, we predict the potential winners and losers of the evening. While Manchester City stands as the favorites, the likes of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland may go home empty-handed.
2024 Laureus World Comeback of the Year
For soccer, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller managed to make the cut for the World Comeback category. He will see eye-to-eye against USA’s Simone Biles, UK’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson, South African rugby star Siya Kolisi, Canadian basketballer Jamal Murray and Czech tennis player Markéta Vondrousova.
Winner: Soccer will dominate this category, thanks to Sebastien Haller’s AFCON win with Ivory Coast.
2024 Laureus Breakthrough of the Year
England’s Jude Bellingham, Colombian starlet Linda Caicedo, and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo are making their case for the beautiful game. Rest in the breakthrough category are tennis star Coco Gauff, Chinese swimmer Qin Haiyang, and UK athletic’s Josh Kerr.
Winner: Even though it’s quite remarkable to see Linda Caicedo and Salma Paralluelo make the cut, Jude Bellingham will take the trophy home due to his exceptional time with Real Madrid thus far.
Winner: Even though it’s quite remarkable to see Linda Caicedo and Salma Paralluelo make the cut, Jude Bellingham will take the trophy home due to his exceptional time with Real Madrid thus far.
2024 Laureus World Team of the Year
There are some interesting nominees in the World Team of the Year category. Interestingly, Manchester City is making the case in men’s soccer, with Spain’s national team doing the honors for the women’s game. Additionally, Europe’s Ryder Cup Team, German Men’s Basketball Team, Austria’s Oracie Red Bull Racing, and South Africa’s rugby team Springboks will also compete for the prestigious award.
Winner: Though all teams make a deserving case, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City winning the treble last season might have an edge on the others.
2024 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati comes in place of her fellow national teammate, Alexia Putellas. She will be facing competition with an athletic trio of Shericka Jackson, Faith Kipyegon, and Sha’Carri Richardson. Additionally, USA’s Alpine Skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin and Polish tennis maestro Iga Swigtek made the cut this year to test their luck.
Winner: Aitana Bonmati will have no problem doing the honors to lift the Laureus Award in the sports category.
2024 Laureus Sportsman of the Year
Lionel Messi again gets a chance this year to defend his previous season’s title win. Likewise, instead of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland remarkably takes the Frenchman’s place this year. While Max Verstappen and Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis also make the nominations again, Novak Djokovic replaces Rafael Nadal, with USA’s athletics star Noah Lyles replacing Stephen Curry.
Winner: It’s the World No. 1 in men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic, who will have the edge over the aforementioned athletes. Messi, unfortunately, won’t be able to win his second consecutive and third overall award. Haaland, who won the treble with Manchester City, will also find himself empty-handed.