The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 have been announced, bringing together many of the world’s top athletes across different sports. The winners will be revealed on April 20, 2026, at a grand ceremony in Madrid, where members of the Laureus World Sports Academy will select the champions.
In the World Sportsman of the Year category, reigning winner Armand Duplantis leads a strong lineup. The Swedish pole-vault star is nominated alongside tennis sensations Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, cycling champion Tadej Pogačar, MotoGP legend Marc Márquez, and French footballer Ousmane Dembélé.
Alcaraz earned his nomination after a remarkable 2025 season in which he captured two Grand Slam titles – the French Open and US Open – among eight ATP titles, while Sinner also enjoyed a stellar year with six titles including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
The World Sportswoman of the Year shortlist is equally competitive. Swimming legend Katie Ledecky and track star Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone headline the nominees, joined by sprinter Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden, middle-distance great Faith Kipyegon, football star Aitana Bonmatí, and tennis world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Ledecky secured her place after winning gold in the 800m and 1500m freestyle at the World Championships, while McLaughlin-Levrone claimed 400m and 4×400m relay gold, clocking a stunning 47.78 seconds in the individual race—one of the fastest times in history.
Often described as the “Oscars of sport,” the Laureus Awards recognise the greatest sporting achievements of the year, with nominees chosen by over 1,300 members of the Laureus Global Media Panel before the academy selects the final winners.
With Olympic champions, world-record holders and global superstars competing for the prestigious Laureus statuette, the 2026 ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting celebrations of sporting excellence.
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