The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards were held in Madrid, Spain, celebrating the finest athletic achievements of the past year in a ceremony often described as the Oscars of Sport. Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the primary individual honors, while the event highlighted the growing global stature of Indian sports with a historic nomination for the national women’s cricket team. Co-hosted by tennis legend Novak Djokovic and Olympic champion Eileen Gu, the ceremony underscored the power of sport to inspire and drive social change worldwide.
The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards: Madrid Hosts the ‘Oscars of Sport’
The 2026 edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards returned to Madrid, Spain, specifically hosted at the historic Palacio de Cibeles. This annual event, widely recognized as the most prestigious honor in the sporting world, recognizes excellence across various disciplines. The 2026 ceremony was co-hosted by five-time Laureus winner Novak Djokovic and the renowned Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu.
Established in 1999 by founding patrons Daimler (now Mercedes-Benz) and Richemont, the Laureus World Sports Awards held their inaugural ceremony in 2000 in Monte Carlo. The organization was famously championed by the late South African President Nelson Mandela, who famously remarked that sport has the power to change the world. The name “Laureus” is derived from the Greek word for laurel, a traditional symbol of victory in ancient athletics.
The winners of the awards are determined by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a jury consisting of more than 60 of the greatest living sporting legends. Each winner receives a Cartier Laureus statuette, crafted from solid silver with a gold-finish base, depicting the striving human form. Beyond the glitz of the ceremony, the organization operates the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports hundreds of community projects globally to improve the lives of young people through sport.
Tennis Icons Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka Claim Top Honours
Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, making history as the youngest-ever recipient of the award at just 22 years of age. Alcaraz’s selection followed a phenomenal run where he became the youngest man to win major titles on all three surfaces: hard, grass, and clay. His recent successes include back-to-back French Open titles in 2024 and 2025, a successful defense of his Wimbledon crown, and capturing the US Open trophy. He also finished the 2025 season as the Year-End World No. 1.
The Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award was presented to Aryna Sabalenka, acknowledging her absolute dominance on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka’s 2025 season was particularly noteworthy as she held the world No. 1 ranking for the entire calendar year. Her trophy cabinet was bolstered by consecutive US Open titles in 2024 and 2025, along with a successful title defense at the Australian Open in 2024. Her achievement also marked the highest single-season prize money earnings in the history of women’s tennis.
Recognition for Indian Women’s Cricket and Global Teams
A significant highlight for Indian sports was the nomination of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Laureus World Team of the Year. This recognition came on the heels of their historic victory in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, where they secured their maiden title by defeating South Africa in the final held in Navi Mumbai. Led by standout performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, the Indian team became the first women’s side from Asia to lift the global ODI crown, a milestone compared to the 1983 World Cup victory of the men’s team.
The top honor for the World Team of the Year was awarded to the French football giant Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The club was recognized for its sustained domestic dominance and significant impact on the global footballing landscape. The team category remains one of the most competitive, with nominations typically spanning various sports, including football, cricket, and rugby, reflecting the diverse excellence celebrated by the Laureus Academy.
Celebrating Breakthroughs, Comebacks, and Sporting Inspiration
The 2026 awards ceremony also honored exceptional narratives of resilience and emergence. Lando Norris was named the World Breakthrough of the Year following his maiden Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2025. Norris clinched the title in one of the closest battles in history, finishing just two points ahead of his nearest rival. Meanwhile, the World Comeback of the Year award went to golfer Rory McIlroy, highlighting his return to the pinnacle of the sport after a challenging period.
In other categories, Lamine Yamal was recognized as the Young Sportsperson of the Year for his stellar rise in professional football. The World Action Sportsperson award was won by Chloe Kim, and the Sportsperson with a Disability award was presented to Brazilian swimmer Gabriel Araújo, who has been a dominant force in the Paralympic circuit.
The ceremony concluded with two deeply emotional tributes. Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award, marking the 50th anniversary of her historic perfect 10.0 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Former German footballer Toni Kroos was honored with the Sporting Inspiration Award, recognizing his impact on and off the field. Additionally, the organization Futbol Mas received the Sport for Good Award for its innovative work in using football to foster values and resilience in vulnerable communities.
The Legacy and Impact of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
The Laureus World Sports Awards are more than just a celebration of elite performance; they are the primary funding and awareness mechanism for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Inspired by the vision of Nelson Mandela, the foundation operates on the core belief that sports can overcome social barriers and provide opportunities for growth in disadvantaged regions. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has supported over 250 projects in more than 40 countries, impacting the lives of millions of children.
The Sport for Good Award, presented this year to Futbol Mas, serves as a testament to this mission. Organizations like Futbol Mas use sport as a therapeutic and educational tool, focusing on mental well-being and community cohesion. By integrating these social initiatives with the global reach of sporting legends, Laureus continues to bridge the gap between high-performance athletics and meaningful community development.
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award at the age of 22.
- Aryna Sabalenka was named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year after maintaining the world No. 1 ranking for the entire 2025 season.
- The Indian Women’s Cricket Team received its first-ever nomination for World Team of the Year following their 2025 ICC ODI World Cup triumph.
- Lando Norris secured the World Breakthrough of the Year award in recognition of his maiden Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
- The Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising more than 60 sporting legends, serves as the jury for these annual awards.
- Nadia Comaneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award to mark the 50th anniversary of her perfect 10.0 score at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
