Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, April 20, 2026 11:29 p.m. / Updated Monday, April 20, 2026 11:29 p.m.
Carlos Alcaraz was named sportsman of the year at the Laureus Awards. He came and picked up his award from Luis Figo and Iker Casillas, two football legends. Nadia Comăneci was also awarded for her entire career.
The awarding of the Laureus awards took place at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid. The gala was hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu.
Winners at the Laureus Gala: Carlos Alcaraz won Sportsman of the Year, Nadia Comăneci received a Lifetime Achievement Award
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Sportsman of the year: Carlos Alcaraz (tennis)
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Sportswoman of the year: Aryna Sabalenka (tennis)
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Team of the Year: PSG (football)
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Breakthrough of the year: Lando Norris (Formula 1)
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Comeback of the year: Rory McIlroy (golf)
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Paralympic Sports Personality of the Year: Gabriel Araujo (swimming)
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Extreme sports personality: Chloe Kim (snowboard)
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Sport for good: Futbol Mas (soccer)
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Sports inspiration: Toni Kroos (football)
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Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci (gymnastics)
Carlos Alcaraz fought for the sportsman of the year award with Ousmane Dembele (football), Mondo Duplantis (athletics), Marc Marquez (motoGP), Tadej Pogacar (cycling), Jannik Sinner (tennis). Also, teams from 5 sports were nominated: football, golf, cricket, Formula 1, basketball.
“I want to thank you for this award. To win two Grand Slams and be number 1 in something is something I've dreamed of since I was a child. When I look back, I don't think about trophies and results, but about the journey, the work, the difficult times, the people who stood by me and everything I learned.
I want to thank my family and my team. I am very lucky to have them here by my side. They are with me in good times and especially in bad times. It helps me grow as a player and as a person. This award belongs to them too,” Carlos Alcaraz said on stage at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid.
Nadia Comăneci, awarded for her entire career at the Laureus Gala
Nadia Comăneci at the Laureus gala / Photo: Imago Images
Nadia Comăneci received the award for her entire career at this edition because in 2026 it will be 50 years since her great performance at the Olympic Games in Montreal. Including in Romania, the year 2026 was declared the year of Nadia Comăneci.
