The 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, has been named as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time.

The awards were dominated by footballers and football teams last night with the sport winning accolades in three categories.

The Spanish women's footballer, Aitana Bonmatí, was named as World Sportswoman of the Year of the Year, while the Spanish Women's national team received the accolade for the World Team of the Year.

The English football, Jude Bellingham, received the World Breakthrough of the Year Award.

Aitana Bonmatí - Getty

Djokovic said being able to win the prestigious accolade for a record-equalling fifth time is very humbling.

“I am incredibly honoured to have won my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.  I think back to 2012, when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am very proud to be here 12 years later, reflecting on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success. 

 “It was thrilling to return to Australia last January and win my 10th title. It is a tournament that is so dear to my heart and set me up for an incredible 12 months.  I could not have achieved so much success without an incredible team behind me, and inspirational rivals who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself.”

Djokovic equalled the record of Swiss tennis great, Roger Federer, for the most Sportsman of the Year awards. Federer went on to win six Laureus awards after also receiving the one for Comeback of the Year Award.

The full list of Winners is:

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award - Novak Djokovic

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award - Aitana Bonmatí

Laureus World Team of the Year Award - Spain Women’s Football Team

Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award - Jude Bellingham

Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award - Simone Biles

Laureus Sport for Good Award - Fundación Rafa Nadal

Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award - Diede de Groot

Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award - Arisa Trew

Morgan Piek OFM Sport