The National Football Teams honoured at the As Sports Awards
In the majestic Teatro Real, the Spanish national football teams, both the men's and women's categories, were recognised after a simply brilliant 2023. In an evening to remember, the national teams received a very special distinction on a stage full of elite sportsmen and women, in what was the ideal finishing touch to a year full of success.
In the case of the men's national team, Luis de la Fuente took to the stage to collect an award following a 2023 full of success. In June, Spain won the UEFA Nations League after beating Italy in the semi-finals and Croatia in the final in a title that was celebrated passionately. As was their qualification for next summer's European Championships in Germany, after completing a near-perfect qualifying campaign with seven wins and just one defeat. "I lead a wonderful group of players and it's a luxury to do so. We want to keep doing things and we are going to try to achieve more important goals," summed up Luis de la Fuente.
He was accompanied by Dani Carvajal, who scored the decisive goal in the penalty shootout against Croatia in the Nations final, and Álvaro Morata, the current captain of the national team. "We are approaching the European Championship with the utmost humility, knowing that we have a fantastic group and that we have been working hard for a long time," said the Real Madrid full-back. And Morata was singing from the same hymn sheet: "Hopefully we can continue to win titles, that's our objective. The Spanish people have to support us because the support is what drives us on. Another international, Rodrigo Hernández, also received an individual award at the gala.
Afterwards, it was Montse Tomé who collected the award on behalf of the national team. The new embroidered star on their shirts, which was won in Sydney on 20 August will be worn with pride forever more. As well as winning a memorable World Cup, their success was followed by qualification for the final four of the Nations League in February. In addition, Spain have just reached the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in their history, a feat unthinkable a few years ago and which sums up the great work of recent years.
"We have a job to do, we have work to do. We have a lot of talent and people who work hard. We have ambitious goals that attract us and motivate us a lot", said the coach with the trophy in her hands. Montse Tomé was joined on stage by Eva Navarro, who summed up the feelings of the dressing room in these joyous times: "The fact that Spain are number one in the FIFA rankings is a great source of pride. Now, we're going for the Nations League and hopefully we can reach the Olympic Games.
Aitana Bonmatí, recent Golden Ball winner, was recognised with an award for her stand out season.
