Watch: Carlos Alcaraz lauds Jude Bellingham with praise as he hands over the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award to the English soccer star

The 20-year-old Englishman has become a key player for La Liga club Real Madrid ever since he joined them from Borussia Dortmund. As Bellingham continued to help Madrid win games, he won one of the most prestigious awards for an emerging athlete.

Jude Bellingham beat Linda Caicedo, Coco Gauff, Qin Haiyang, Josh Kerr, and Barcelona Femeni’s Salma Paralluelo to claim this award. Bellingham then received it from the last year’s winner who also lauded the rising star. Alcaraz also talked about the importance of this award before handing it over to the new winner.

In the first place, I would like to thank the Laureus Academy for inviting me to present this award, and 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 an international recognition to all sports. It's truly amazing to enjoy your game and hopefully, you are enjoying your time at Real Madrid, building your legacy here. Carlos Alcaraz said while presenting the award to Jude Bellingham.

Carlos Alcaraz looking to create history in Madrid

While Carlos Alcaraz won the Breakthrough of the Year award last year for his rise to the top, the Spaniard is struggling to keep up with the expectations, especially after his title win in Wimbledon last year. The 20-year-old has won only one title after that win in England.

Now, as Alcaraz readies himself to compete in the first clay court Masters tournament in Madrid, he would be hoping to create history. The Spanish ace can become the first player to win three consecutive titles at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The two-time Grand Slam champion is double-defending his crown in Madrid. However, things are a bit different for him this year as Alcaraz has not played a lot on clay. He pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open over injury concerns in his forearm.

Now that he is back, it is to be seen how quickly the Spaniard catches up. Alcaraz will begin his title defense against Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech and could face Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. Munich champion Jan-Lennard Struff, who lost to Alcaraz in the title match in Madrid last season, is a potential fourth-round opponent.