The Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2024 was one of the most talkedabout awards in the global sports calendar, celebrating female athletic achievement and excellence during the 20232024 season. This prestigious award is part of the Laureus World Sports Awards, often described as the Oscars of sport, and recognizes a female athlete whose performance, impact, and inspiring story stood out across all disciplines. The 2024 ceremony highlighted remarkable achievements from athletes around the world, placing a spotlight on women’s sports and the growing global appreciation for female competitors at the highest level.
What Are the Laureus World Sports Awards?
The Laureus World Sports Awards were established in 2000 and are organized by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements in sport and also support initiatives that use sport to improve lives and communities worldwide. Winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a group of former elite athletes and sporting legends, with nominees initially selected by a broad panel of sports media representatives. Each year, the event brings together the biggest names in sport for a gala ceremony where athletes from different disciplines are honored.
Categories at the Laureus Awards
- World Sportsman of the Year
- World Sportswoman of the Year
- World Team of the Year
- Breakthrough of the Year
- Comeback of the Year
- Action Sportsperson of the Year
- Sportsperson with a Disability
- Sport for Good Award
These categories span a range of achievements, highlighting both individual and team excellence, inspirational comebacks, and contributions to society through sport.
World Sportswoman of the Year 2024
The Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award for 2024 was won by Aitana BonmatÃ, a Spanish footballer whose 20232024 season was exceptional on both club and national stages. BonmatÃ’s performances helped define women’s football over the year, making her a standout choice for this top accolade. Her accomplishments were celebrated at the Laureus ceremony in Madrid, where she accepted the award among a field of elite athletes from various sports. Her recognition reflects both her individual excellence and the rising global prominence of women’s football.
Aitana BonmatÃ’s Stellar 20232024 Season
BonmatÃ’s award was based on an extraordinary year that saw her achieve success at multiple levels of competition. In the 20232024 campaign, she played a central role in major victories
- Winning the Liga F title with FC Barcelona FemenÃ.
- Capturing the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
- Helping Spain’s national team secure the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Being named the Golden Ball winner at the World Cup.
- Winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin, recognizing her as the best female footballer in the world.
These achievements highlighted her consistency, skill, and influence on the pitch, making her a clear leader in global sport throughout the year. Her versatility, vision, and ability to perform in highpressure matches were key factors in her earning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year honor.
Nominees and Competition
Aitana Bonmatà was selected from a strong group of international athletes nominated for the World Sportswoman of the Year Award. The nomination process involved input from sports media and Laureus Academy members, ensuring that the contenders represented excellence across disciplines. Other nominees for the 2024 award included top performers from athletics, tennis, sprinting, and other highly competitive fields, reflecting the broad spectrum of talent in women’s sport worldwide.
Typical Nominee Profiles
- Athletes who dominated their sport during the year.
- Women breaking records or achieving historic firsts.
- Competitors whose performance had global visibility and impact.
The quality and diversity of nominees showcase the growing influence of women in sports such as track and field, football, tennis, cycling, and beyond. The nomination itself is considered an honor, highlighting an athlete’s impact even if they do not win the final award.
Aitana BonmatÃ’s Influence Beyond the Pitch
Winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award elevated BonmatÃ’s status not only as a top athlete but also as a role model for young fans around the world. Her success helped draw attention to women’s football at a time when the sport is growing rapidly in popularity and competitiveness. Her leadership on the field has inspired teammates and fans alike, and her recognition at a prestigious global event like the Laureus Awards underscores the importance of women’s contributions to sport on the world stage.
Impact on Women’s Football
- Increased visibility for women’s football internationally.
- Encouragement for young girls to pursue competitive sport.
- A benchmark for excellence in professional athletics.
- Highlighting the strategic and technical side of women’s football.
BonmatÃ’s career trajectory and accolades demonstrate how female athletes can influence cultural perceptions of sport and inspire future generations to achieve their own goals in athletics.
The Laureus Awards Ceremony Experience
The Laureus Awards ceremony is a glamorous event that brings together top athletes, coaches, and sporting personalities from around the world. Held annually in different host cities, the event combines celebration with purpose, as the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation also highlights stories of community impact through sport. Winners receive a statuette symbolizing sporting excellence and are celebrated in front of an international audience. The ceremony serves as a reminder of sport’s power to unite people, transcend borders, and inspire social change.
Highlights of the 2024 Event
- Aitana Bonmatà receiving the World Sportswoman of the Year award.
- Recognition of other top athletes and teams across categories.
- Tributes to sporting achievement and stories of individual resilience.
- Celebration of sports that bring communities together worldwide.
The event also features speeches, presentations, and moments that reflect both the competitive and human aspects of sport. For many athletes, being part of the Laureus Awards is a career milestone and a cherished recognition of their hard work.
Why the Laureus World Sportswoman Award Matters
The World Sportswoman of the Year Award highlights the achievements of female athletes who not only excel in their sport but also embody qualities like determination, leadership, and impact. By celebrating women’s achievements, the award helps promote gender equality in sport and encourages media and fans to appreciate athletic excellence across both men’s and women’s competitions. This recognition contributes to a broader cultural shift that values diverse sporting accomplishments and promotes inclusion. Winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year is a careerdefining moment that cements an athlete’s legacy in the global sporting landscape.
The Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2024 award recognized Aitana Bonmatà for an outstanding year of athletic achievement and global influence. Her performances on the football field, including major club and international championships, made her a standout choice for this prestigious honor. The award highlights the importance of women in sport and celebrates excellence, commitment, and inspiration. Through events like the Laureus World Sports Awards, the impact of female athletes continues to grow, showcasing their achievements to audiences around the world and inspiring future generations to pursue greatness in sport.