Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka win Laureus Sportspersons of the Year awards

MADRID: The Laureus World Sports Awards lit up the Spanish capital with a celebration of global sporting excellence, headlined by landmark wins for tennis world No.1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

At just 22, Alcaraz was named ‘Laureus World Sportsman of the Year’ after reclaiming the top ranking with Grand Slam triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open. “What an incredible honour. This Laureus Statuette means something more as it’s a recognition among the greatest athletes in the world. I am following in the footsteps of giants… Messi, Federer, Djokovic, Nadal. That makes this moment so special,” he said.

Sabalenka completed a dominant season to secure ‘Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year’, holding the No.1 ranking throughout 2025 while defending her US Open title. “Winning this award is really special for me. It’s a bit crazy to hear my name next to so many legends. It’s not just about the wins — it’s about the hard moments, the pressure, the work every single day.”

The Indian women’s cricket team was nominated for ‘Laureus World Team of the Year’ category after its historic World Cup triumph at home but missed out on the honour.

Paris Saint-Germain were crowned World Team of the Year after a historic six-trophy campaign, while Formula One champion Lando Norris claimed ‘Breakthrough of the Year’. Golf’s Rory McIlroy earned ‘Comeback of the Year’ following his long-awaited Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam. The ceremony, hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, also honoured icons including Nadia Comaneci, rising star Lamine Yamal, and football legend Toni Kroos.

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS 2026

• Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz
• Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka
• Team of the Year Award: Paris Saint-Germain
• Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris
• Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy
• Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araújo
• Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim
• Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal
• Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comaneci
• Sport for Good Award: Futbol Mas

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