In a memorable moment at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid, tennis player Carlos Alcaraz had the honor of presenting the Breakthrough of the Year award to young football sensation Jude Bellingham. The gala, held at the Palacio de Cibeles, celebrated outstanding achievements in sports across the globe.
As Bellingham approached Alcaraz to receive the prestigious award, the reigning Wimbledon champion momentarily forgot to pass it over. Instead of handing it to Bellingham, Alcaraz kept the award in his own hands and proceeded to deliver a heartfelt speech. He expressed gratitude to the Laureus Academy for inviting him to present the award and praised Bellingham’s remarkable talent.
“In the first place, I would like to thank the Laureus Academy for inviting me to present this award,” Alcaraz began. “Congratulations to Jude for winning it. I won this award last year, and it was truly special for me because legends of the Laureus Academy vote for it, and it gives international recognition to all sports.”
Alcaraz continued to speak positively about Bellingham, still holding the award. “It’s truly amazing to enjoy your game, and hopefully, you are enjoying your time at Real Madrid, building your legacy here,” he said. “Have a good evening everyone, and congratulations to you as well.”
Bellingham, ever gracious, playfully teased Alcaraz as the Spaniard finally handed over the award. “He’s kept it for another year,” Bellingham joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Jude Bellingham, despite being only 20 years old, has already made a significant impact as one of the world’s best midfielders. His breakthrough performances have caught the attention of fans and fellow athletes alike. Alcaraz, who won the award himself last year, recognized Bellingham’s immense talent and contribution to the sporting world.
As the Laureus Awards continue to celebrate excellence in sports, moments like this remind us of the camaraderie and mutual respect shared by athletes across different disciplines. Carlos Alcaraz’s forgetful yet endearing presentation to Jude Bellingham will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024 Laureus ceremony.
Carlos Alcaraz 🤝 Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham wins the 2024 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award 🏆#Laureus24 pic.twitter.com/4puQHpgBKw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 22, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Now ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 28th of March when he lost to world no.10 Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
Until now, during this year the Spaniard has a compiled 15-4 win-loss record. This year, Carlos lifted the trophy in Indian Wells.
Alcaraz has won 1 title in 2024 in Indian Wells.
The Spaniard won 14 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 7 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)