Highlights from the MARCA and ADN Sports Awards Gala

omidbasir- One of the most thrilling moments of the MARCA and ADN Sports Awards Gala, scheduled for next Monday, will be the presentation of the 2024-25 Zamora Trophy to Jan Oblak. The Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper made history last season by winning his sixth award for the least goals conceded by a goalkeeper. His outstanding performance allowed him to break the tie he had with other legendary goalkeepers in Spanish league history, such as Ramallets and Víctor Valdés, who remain in second place with five trophies each.

While Oblak excelled in goalkeeping, Kylian Mbappé led in scoring. In his inaugural season with Real Madrid, the French forward showcased his immense talent by netting 31 goals in 34 matches. This impressive tally not only earned him the Pichichi Trophy but also his first European Golden Shoe, making him the eighth player in Spanish league history to achieve continental top scorer status.

The Miguel Muñoz Trophy, awarded to the best coach of the season as determined by MARCA’s journalists, rightfully went to Hansi Flick. In his first season in Spain, the German tactician skillfully guided Barcelona to become the champions of the 2024-25 league.

Villarreal made history by qualifying for the current edition of the Champions League, largely thanks to Ayoze’s 19 goals, which earned him the Zarra Trophy as the top Spanish scorer. He became the third Villarreal player to win this accolade. For the second consecutive season, Javier Alberola Rojas claimed the Guruceta Trophy, his third overall, recognizing him as the best referee in La Liga.

In the Second Division, the awards were led by Colombian Luis Suárez, who won the Pichichi Trophy with 27 goals in 41 matches for Almería.

Elche was one of two teams to achieve direct promotion to La Liga alongside Levante. The performances of Matías Dituro in goal were pivotal to Eder Sarabia’s team’s success, with the Argentine averaging just 0.88 goals conceded per match, barely edging out Huesca’s Dani Jiménez for the trophy.

Racing de Santander had double representation at the MARCA awards. Forward Andrés Martín secured the Zarra Trophy as the top national scorer with 16 goals, while José Alberto was named the best coach in the Spanish second tier. For the first time in history, a woman, Marta Huerta, won the Guruceta Trophy, being the highest-rated referee in her debut season in the Second Division.

Ten of the standout athletes from last season will receive significant recognition on Monday as they are awarded their respective MARCA Awards.

Oviedo legend Santi Cazorla won the fan-favorite award by securing the most votes from supporters, claiming the Favorite of the Fans by Hyundai trophy. The Asturian player was instrumental in Real Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga, succeeding Isco Alarcón, who won the award the previous year.