2026 Laureus World Sports Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Sports Across Disciplines
The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in sports across various disciplines. The event, held in Madrid at Cibeles Palace, honored athletes who excelled in the Olympic Games, tennis, football, and Formula One. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were named the Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively, for their remarkable performances in tennis. Alcaraz's victories at the French and U.S. Opens in 2025 earned him the prestigious award, while Sabalenka's dominance on the WTA Tour, including a win at the U.S. Open, secured her recognition.
The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards were hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, both sporting legends and Olympic champions. Paris Saint-Germain was honored as the Laureus World Team of the Year for their triumph in the UEFA Champions League during the 2024-25 season. Lando Norris, the Formula One World Drivers' Championship winner, received the Breakthrough of the Year award, and Rory McIlroy was recognized for his comeback with a Masters victory. Gabriel Araújo, a Paralympic swimming champion, was named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
Chloe Kim, a dominant force in women's halfpipe snowboarding, was awarded the Action Sportsperson of the Year, while Lamine Yamal, a young footballer from Barcelona and Spain, was crowned Young Sportsperson of the Year. The Sporting Inspiration Award went to German footballer Toni Kroos, and Fútbol Más, an organization supporting children in vulnerable communities through football, received the Sport for Good Award. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award to Nadia Comăneci, the iconic gymnast known for her perfect 10.0 score at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Comăneci's legacy in gymnastics and her continued impact on the sport were celebrated with this prestigious honor.