The Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 celebrated global sporting excellence with a stellar lineup of winners across disciplines, highlighting emerging stars, legendary careers, and inspiring performances.
Another piece of bling for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 💍🏆#Laureus26 | @SabalenkaA @WTA pic.twitter.com/waM5xjPLPr
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 20, 2026
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal continued his meteoric rise by winning the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award. The FC Barcelona forward, already a two-time Kopa Trophy winner, reaffirmed his place as one of football’s brightest young talents, adding another Laureus accolade to his growing collection.
Lamine Yamal receives the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award 🏆#Laureus26 | @FCBarcelona_cat @LaLiga pic.twitter.com/feMVmYJGta
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 20, 2026
In action sports, Chloe Kim claimed the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award for the third time. The two-time Olympic champion delivered another standout season, matching Shaun White’s record of eight X Games gold medals, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest snowboarders of her generation.
Brazilian para swimmer Gabriel Araújo was honoured with the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award after a dominant performance at the World Para Swimming Championships, where he secured three gold medals, mirroring his success at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The Laureus Sport for Good Award went to Fútbol Más, recognising its impactful work across Latin America, Africa, and Europe in empowering youth through football and community-building initiatives.
“The incredible, Toni Kroos”
A message from the Laureus World Sporting Inspiration Award winner.#Laureus26 | @ToniKroos @DFB_Team_EN pic.twitter.com/0K2g2Ay082
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 20, 2026
German football legend Toni Kroos received the Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award, marking a fitting tribute to his illustrious career that included a FIFA World Cup triumph and multiple UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
50 years on from her historic perfect 10, fellow Laureus Academy members surprised Nadia Comăneci with the Lifetime Achievement Award.#Laureus | @nadiacomaneci10 @Olympics pic.twitter.com/sIHB9Y2wFV
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 20, 2026
The prestigious Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to gymnastics icon Nadia Comăneci, 50 years after her historic Perfect 10 at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She becomes the first gymnast to receive this honour.
Among the top category winners, Carlos Alcaraz was named World Sportsman of the Year, while Aryna Sabalenka took home World Sportswoman of the Year. Paris Saint-Germain earned World Team of the Year honours following a historic season.
In other major categories, Lando Norris won Breakthrough of the Year, and Rory McIlroy secured Comeback of the Year.
The Laureus Awards continue to be one of the most prestigious recognitions in global sport, with winners selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising 69 sporting legends.
Full Winners List:
World Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz
World Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
World 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: Chloe Kim
Young Sportsperson: Lamine Yamal
Sporting Inspiration: Toni Kroos
Lifetime Achievement: Nadia Comăneci
Sport for Good: Fútbol Más
