The Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 brought together the biggest names in global sport in Madrid, celebrating excellence, resilience and achievement across disciplines.
Known as the "Oscars of Sport", the event honoured athletes who delivered exceptional performances over the past year.
From tennis stars to football icons and motorsport champions, the ceremony reflected the global nature of modern sport. The night balanced emerging talent with legendary figures, making it one of the most talked-about sporting events of the year.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Full Winner List
- World Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
- Team of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris
- Comeback of the Year: Rory McIlroy
- Sportsperson with a Disability: Gabriel Araújo
- Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim
- Young Sportsperson of the Year: Lamine Yamal
- Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci
- Sport for Good Award: Fútbol Más
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award
Aryna Sabalenka stood out as one of the most consistent performers in women's tennis. The Belarusian star maintained the world No.1 ranking and delivered strong performances across major tournaments.
Her dominance throughout the season made her a clear choice for the award. The recognition reflects both her results and her ability to perform under pressure. It also places her among the elite names in women's sport globally.
Laureus World Top Honours Awards
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz won the award. He secured the award after winning multiple Grand Slams and reclaiming the world No.1 ranking
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year:Aryna Sabalenka won and dominated women's tennis with consistent performances and a top global ranking.
Both winners highlighted tennis' dominance at the 2026 awards. Their achievements reflect the rise of a new generation of global sports stars
Laureus World Team of the Year Award
Paris Saint-Germain earned the Team of the Year award after a historic campaign. The club secured multiple trophies, including their first UEFA Champions League title. Their success marked a major milestone in European football.
The award recognised not just results, but consistency and teamwork throughout the season. PSG's achievement placed them among the top-performing clubs globally.
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award
Lando Norris claimed the Breakthrough of the Year award after an exceptional Formula One season. The British driver secured his first world championship, marking a major step in his career.
His performance demonstrated both skill and consistency at the highest level. The award acknowledges emerging talent that makes a significant impact. Norris now stands among the leading names in motorsport.
Laureus World Awards 2026: Other Major Winners
- Rory McIlroy - Comeback of the Year
- Lando Norris - Breakthrough of the Year
- Chloe Kim - Action Sportsperson of the Year
- Gabriel Araújo - Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
- Lamine Yamal - Young Sportsperson of the Year
- Toni Kroos - Sporting Inspiration Award
- Nadia Comăneci - Lifetime Achievement Award
- Fútbol Más - Sport for Good Award
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Voices of the Winners
Carlos Alcaraz described the recognition as "an incredible honour", adding that it meant more because it came from "the greatest athletes in the world, across all sports." He also called it "a moment so special."
Aryna Sabalenka said the award felt "really special" and highlighted that it reflected "the hard moments, the pressure, the team, the work every single day."
Rory McIlroy called his win "a huge honour, both personally and for golf," noting that setbacks made the journey more meaningful.
Highlights from the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026
Carlos Alcaraz continued his remarkable rise by securing major Grand Slam victories and reclaiming the world No.1 ranking. Aryna Sabalenka dominated women's tennis with consistent performances and top rankings throughout the season.
Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a historic campaign, winning multiple trophies, including their first UEFA Champions League title. Lando Norris delivered a breakthrough year in Formula One, clinching his first world championship.
Young football sensation Lamine Yamal emerged as one of the brightest talents globally, while Chloe Kim maintained her dominance in action sports. Gabriel Araújo's achievements in para swimming highlighted the inclusivity and global reach of the awards.
Who Dominated the Individuals Awards?
Tennis clearly dominated the individual categories, with both top honours going to players from the sport. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka led the list of winners, underlining tennis's global influence.
Their performances across major tournaments set them apart. The recognition also highlights the sport's competitive depth. Individual excellence remained a central theme of the awards.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Legacy and Special Honours
Toni Kroos received the Sporting Inspiration Award for his long-standing contribution to football. His recognition reflects leadership, consistency and influence at both club and international level
Nadia Comăneci was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award marked 50 years since her historic Perfect 10 at the Olympics. Her achievement remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history
These honours focused on legacy, impact and long-term excellence, not just recent performance. The awards recognised individuals who shaped and influenced their sport globally.
The segment highlighted how sport goes beyond results to include inspiration and lasting contribution
Was There Any Indian Representation in Laureus World Sports Awards?
No Indian athlete featured among the winners at the 2026 Laureus Awards. This reflects the gap between India's growing sports ecosystem and consistent global success.
While progress has been made in several disciplines, representation at this level remains limited. The absence highlights the need for sustained performance on the world stage.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Who Were the Hosts?
The ceremony was hosted by tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu. Their presence added star power to the event and reflected the global nature of the awards. Both hosts brought experience and charisma to the stage. The hosting duo represented excellence across different sports.