The world of sport came together in Madrid for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, where leading athletes across disciplines were honoured for standout achievements over the past year. The glittering ceremony brought together Olympic champions, football stars, tennis icons and motorsport winners in a celebration of excellence, consistency and breakthrough performances on the global stage.
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka headlined the tennis awards after seasons defined by dominance at the top level. Alcaraz’s Grand Slam success and return to World No.1 earned him the Sportsman of the Year honour, while Sabalenka’s sustained run at World No.1 and major title defence secured her the Sportswoman of the Year award.
Paris Saint-Germain were named Team of the Year following a remarkable campaign that included multiple domestic trophies and a long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph. In Formula One, Lando Norris was recognised for his breakthrough season, which saw him claim his first world championship after a series of high-profile race wins and a tightly contested title battle.
Golf star Rory McIlroy received Comeback of the Year after finally completing the career Grand Slam with a long-awaited Masters victory. Chloe Kim continued her dominance in action sports with another award-winning snowboard season, while Brazil’s Gabriel Araújo was honoured for his achievements in para swimming.
A new generation was also spotlighted as Lamine Yamal claimed the Young Sportsperson award following a breakout season with Barcelona. Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Toni Kroos was recognised for his inspirational career, and gymnastics legend Nadia Comăneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her historic contribution to sport. The Sport for Good award went to Fútbol Más for its global social impact programmes.
The event underlined both established excellence and emerging talent, highlighting sport’s continuing global reach and influence.
Full list of winners:
- Sportsman: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
- Sportswoman: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
- Team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Breakthrough: Lando Norris (United Kingdom)
- Comeback: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
- Sportsperson with Disability: Gabriel Araújo (Brazil)
- Action Sportsperson: Chloe Kim (United States)
- Young Sportsperson: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
- Sporting Inspiration: Toni Kroos (Germany)
- Lifetime Achievement: Nadia Comăneci (Romania)
- Sport for Good: Fútbol Más (Chile)
