Voting has closed for SJA members to decide the winners of three major categories at the British Sports Awards 2024; winners will be announced live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday 20 November; Stuart Broad, Mary Earps and Manchester City’s men’s team claimed the 2023 honours; who will take the top prizes this year?
By Beth Payne
Lucy Bronze is a serial winner.
From a game of dominoes to the Champions League, Bronze is known for her ruthless desire to seek out victory wherever it may be.
Even when the medal has just been put around her neck, it is clear she is already plotting the path to her next trophy.
It is no surprise that ‘Tough’ is literally her middle name.
She was part of a generation where women’s football wasn’t anywhere near as popular as it is today.
Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination and steel with Bronze having to overcome six knee surgeries in her career.
The most recent 2023/24 season saw individual and team honours arrive from all directions for the 33-year-old.
She and her Barcelona teammates won the quadruple, the first Spanish team to do so.
Bronze has also been nominated as part of the longlist for the Ballon d’Or Femme, her third nomination since 2018.
And the full-back is also a nominee for the Women in Football Award for International Player of the Year.
She was recognised for her Champions League performance by being named in the 2023/24 starting XI for the second year.
On the international stage, she helped England qualify for the Euros in Switzerland next year, when the Lionesses will bid to retain their trophy.
Her experience and hunger to win were the significant factors behind her incredible year.
Off the pitch, Bronze is an ambassador with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and she actively participates in diverse initiatives surrounding AME sessions, meet-ups, and fundraisers.
She is an icon and a role model to young footballers everywhere.
The 23/24 season can only be described as her best club season, winning everything she could and making a massive impact on those wins.
She optimises what a true sportsperson is and should be.
Sports journalist Beth Payne is a member of the SJA Academy – find out more about membership here.
Visit our SJA British Sports Awards 2024 hub article for more information.
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