Laureus Awards: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Toni Kroos Honoured in Madrid
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were named Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid on April 20, 2026. The tennis duo capped off their 2025 seasons as world No.1 players by receiving sport’s highest individual honours for the first time in their careers.
The awards ceremony took place against the backdrop of the Madrid Open, which began play on the same day as the Laureus event. Five months later, Formula One will return to the Spanish capital for the first time since 1981, adding to the city’s growing significance on the global sporting calendar.
Alongside the tennis stars, several other athletes received recognition across different categories. Lando Norris claimed the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award for his performances in Formula One, while Rory McIlroy was honoured following his victory at the 2025 Masters tournament. Chloe Kim received her third Laureus award, further cementing her status as one of snowboarding’s all-time greats.
In a special recognition, Gabriel Araújo was honoured for his achievements in Para Swimming, having won three world titles in the discipline. The ceremony as well paid tribute to sporting legends, with Nadia Comăneci recognised 50 years after her historic Perfect 10 at the Olympic Games that redefined excellence in gymnastics.
Lamine Yamal, the young football sensation who made his mark on the world stage, received acknowledgment for his rapid rise in the sport. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos was honoured after a distinguished career as a serial winner with Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of the most decorated midfielders in football history.
Paris Saint-Germain continued their domestic dominance by winning the Laureus World Team of the Year award, having swept six titles across world football during the 2024-2025 season. The French club’s success was built on a foundation of consistency and excellence across multiple competitions.
For the first time in Laureus history, the show was hosted by two former award winners: Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. Their presence as hosts highlighted the enduring legacy of the awards and the connection between past and present generations of sporting excellence.
The Laureus World Sports Academy, composed of sporting legends who vote annually for the winners, once again played its crucial role in determining the recipients. Their decisions reflect not only athletic achievement but also the broader impact athletes have on inspiring positive change through sport.
As Madrid basked in the spotlight as the temporary sporting capital of the world, the ceremony served as a reminder of sport’s unifying power. The red carpet event, watched by millions globally, brought together athletes from diverse disciplines to celebrate excellence in all its forms.
The recognition of Alcaraz and Sabalenka underscores their dominance in tennis during 2025, where they consistently performed at the highest level across all surfaces. Their awards reflect not just individual brilliance but also the global appeal and competitiveness of modern tennis.
For Kroos, the honour represents a fitting tribute to a career defined by longevity, consistency, and success at the highest level. His contributions to Real Madrid’s numerous triumphs, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles, have left an indelible mark on the sport.
The 2026 Laureus Awards highlighted the breadth of sporting excellence, from individual brilliance in tennis and Formula One to team success in football and groundbreaking achievements in Paralympic sport. Each recipient’s story adds to the rich tapestry of athletic achievement that the awards seek to celebrate annually.
As the sporting world looks ahead to upcoming events, including the Madrid Open tennis tournament and the imminent return of Formula One to the Spanish capital, the Laureus Awards serve as both a celebration of past accomplishments and an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
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