The prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 were held in Madrid, bringing together the biggest names in global sports. The event celebrated outstanding performances across various disciplines over the past year.
Top Honours of the Night
- Carlos Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year
- Aryna Sabalenka won Sportswoman of the Year
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was awarded Team of the Year
Tennis dominated the awards, with both men’s and women’s top honours going to world No.1 players.
Why PSG Won Team of the Year
PSG earned the title after a historic season, which included:
- Winning six major trophies
- Securing their first UEFA Champions League title
- Dominating domestic and international competitions
Their consistent excellence made them stand out among strong global contenders.
India’s Miss Despite Historic Achievement
The Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, missed out on the Team of the Year award despite winning their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Their performance was widely praised
- However, stiff competition from globally dominant teams like PSG led to their exclusion
Other Key Award Winners
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris
- Young Sportsperson: Lamine Yamal
- Comeback of the Year: Rory McIlroy
- Sportsperson with Disability: Gabriel Araujo
- Action Sportsperson: Chloe Kim
Special Recognitions
- Nadia Comaneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award
- Toni Kroos was honoured with the Sporting Inspiration Award
These awards highlighted both legendary contributions and long-term impact on sports.
Significance of the Awards
- Recognises global sporting excellence
- Celebrates both performance and impact
- Encourages young and emerging talent
- Promotes sport as a tool for social change
Conclusion
The Laureus Awards 2026 showcased a year of remarkable sporting achievements. While stars like Alcaraz and Sabalenka dominated individual categories, PSG’s historic season secured them the top team honour. Despite missing out, India’s women’s cricket team’s performance remains a milestone in the country’s sporting journey.