The Real Madrid Foundation, which currently supports close to 700 social projects in Spain and internationally, is the first ever recipient of this Award. Established in 1997, the Real Madrid Foundation operates a wide range of activities including social sports schools for youngsters, children’s basketball programmes in hospitals; extra academic tutoring; adaptive and inclusive sports schools; psychological support; workshops on nutrition; programmes for the elderly, for people with disabilities and for immigrant populations at risk of social exclusion; and the delivery of humanitarian aid internationally. Its main sports are football and basketball and it currently operates projects in Spain, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation exists thanks to the collaboration of public authorities, the support it receives from companies through patronage and sponsorship and, in particular, the individual donations made by thousands of fans, who wish to strengthen their bond with Real Madrid.

Tennis legend and four-time Laureus Award Winner Rafael Nadal presented the Award to the Real Madrid Foundation. He said: “This Award goes to an organisation that uses the values of sport to help improve society. The Winners have helped people use sport to better their lives. They believe sport is about more than just physical exercise. I’m delighted that the Winners are not only from Spain, but are connected to a club I love.”

Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez said: “Many thanks to the Laureus Academy Members. The recognition of the Real Madrid Foundation is a great honour for our club and for the millions of Real Madrid fans that feel proud of the extensive charitable work that we carry out, capable of reaching every corner of the world. This Award is a great boost for all those who work tirelessly each day with the sole aim of improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable members of our society, especially children, who are at risk of social exclusion.

“It also comes at a time in which there have been even greater difficulties due to the pandemic that has changed everything. There have been really tough times, but we have managed to work together to help those who need it. I always say that the Real Madrid Foundation is the soul of the club, respecting all the values that have made Real Madrid the most loved and admired sport institution in the world.”