Manchester City, who achieved a treble, were defeated by their football counterparts as Laureus unveiled the 2024 World Team of the Year.

Manchester City’s impressive run in the 2022-23 season, where they secured victories in the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, and the FA Cup, culminating in their first-ever treble, did not result in them being named the Laureus World Team of the Year.

Instead, that honor went to the Spanish Women’s National Team, announced by Laureus on April 23 for their exceptional performance in the previous season.

Despite Manchester City’s treble triumph, it was the Spanish women who claimed the spotlight by winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 UEFA Nations League.

The Laureus official account commended their “remarkable resilience,” particularly highlighting their historic World Cup victory following an initial setback in the group stage.

Pep Guardiola’s leadership was instrumental in Manchester City’s treble success, which included a UEFA Champions League triumph over Inter Milan, their ninth Premier League title, and an FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester United.

Despite these achievements, they were edged out for the Laureus World Team of the Year award by the Spanish Women’s National Team, whose standout moment was their 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final, with Olga Carmona Garcia scoring the decisive goal.

The recognition extended beyond team accolades, with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati being named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. Her contributions to Spain’s victories in the World Cup and Nations League, along with her successes with Barcelona Femení in the Women’s Champions League and La Liga F, solidified her position as a key figure in the world of women’s football.