Aitana Bonmati and Spain win Laureus Sports Awards

From Serena Williams to Simone Biles, some of the world’s best have previously been awarded this accolade, with the midfielder saying: “They are all incredible athletes who have not only excelled in their chosen sports, but been incredible role models for younger generations of young women and girls.

“To be the first footballer to win this Award makes it even more special and I hope to represent my sport in the same way that those great champions have done.”

Aitana also took the time to acknowledge her national team, who overcame ‘every challenge’ on and off the field.

“As the first women’s team to win the Laureus, we are proud of our status as pioneers and as a group we are as committed to equality and representation as we are to what we do on the football pitch.

“I know these values are shared by the Laureus Academy and Laureus Sport for Good, and we support the work they do all over the world to improve the lives of at-risk girls and young women through sport.”

The Ballon d’Or victor thanked the Academy for the recognition, dedicating it to the supporters of her journey – friends, family, teammates, and fans – adding: “We proved together, we can do anything.”