The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles.

The event brings together leading figures from sport, entertainment, and culture to recognise excellence, resilience, and inspiration in sport. Broadcast globally, the awards attract millions of viewers and generate significant social media interaction using the hashtag #OnlyAtLaureus.

Djokovic is a five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Olympic Gold Medallist, and holder of a record 24 men’s Grand Slam singles titles. Eileen Gu is the most decorated freestyle skier in history, a multiple Olympic and world champion, the 2023 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, and a Laureus Ambassador.

They will present awards across categories such as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, and Comeback of the Year. Their appointment emphasises the event’s reputation as ‘the Athletes’ Awards’, where winners are selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a group of 69 sporting legends who span generations and disciplines.

Previous hosts have included actors like Bill Murray, Andy Garcia, Samuel L Jackson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. In 2025, Lindsey Vonn became the first athlete to host the event.

Novak Djokovic commented, “The Laureus World Sports Awards hold a special place in my heart. They celebrate not just excellence in sport, but the power of sport to make a difference. I have been honoured with five Laureus statuettes over the years. It is always a unique opportunity to mix with athletes from other sports – and meet the sporting heroes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. Last year, I was privileged to present Mondo Duplantis with his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award – and this time I am delighted to be hosting the show with Eileen, a remarkable athlete who also understands the purpose and mission of Laureus.”

Eileen Gu stated, “The Laureus World Sports Awards are incredibly special to athletes, because they celebrate our achievements in a way nothing else does – through the respect and understanding of our peers, while inspiring millions of young sports fans all over the world. They really are the Athletes’ Awards and winning a Laureus in 2023 was a milestone moment in my career. I was thrilled to return last year to present the Laureus Sport for Good Award to Kick4Life and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kelly Slater. To now be part of the show as a host, alongside Novak – someone whose journey and accomplishments I’ve admired for so long – is a real honour.”