Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka headline the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 in Madrid, leading a night filled with global sporting excellence and inspiring achievements.
Tennis emerged as the dominant force at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, held at the iconic Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20. The evening celebrated the finest achievements in global sports, with standout performances from some of the biggest names across disciplines.
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were the biggest winners of the night, as both clinched the World Sportsman and World Sportswoman of the Year awards respectively, marking the first time either athlete has received this honour. Alcaraz was rewarded for an exceptional 2025 season, where he captured major titles at the French Open and US Open, while also captivating fans with his intense rivalry with Jannik Sinner.
“To receive this recognition from people who understand sports so deeply, it makes it even more meaningful,” said Alcaraz as he accepted his award. “This is a night I will never forget, a moment I will keep in my heart forever.”
Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 1, was recognised for her consistent dominance on the court, highlighted by her US Open triumph. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shared her thoughts during the ceremony.
“I’m shaking right now,” she said. “It makes me feel a little bit crazy to know that my name is going to be next to those legends, those athletes that I watched, I looked up to.”
The glamorous ceremony was hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, adding further star power to an already prestigious event.
In team sports, Paris Saint-Germain secured the Team of the Year award following their historic UEFA Champions League victory - a first in the club’s history. The awards also recognised rising stars and inspiring comebacks across the sporting world.
Lando Norris was named Breakthrough of the Year, while Rory McIlroy earned Comeback of the Year honours. Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Araújo received the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award, and snowboarder Chloe Kim took home the Action Sportsperson of the Year title.
Young football sensation Lamine Yamal was awarded Young Sportsperson of the Year, highlighting his rapid rise in global football. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos was honoured with the Sporting Inspiration Award for his contributions to the game, both on and off the field. The Sport for Good Award was presented to Fútbol Más for its impactful community initiatives.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when legendary gymnast Nadia Comăneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, she made headlines at the 1976 Montreal Olympics by becoming the first athlete to score a perfect 10 - a feat that remains iconic in Olympic history.
Source : NewsX
