The biggest names in global sport came together in Madrid for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, an evening that celebrated excellence, resilience, and history-making performances. Among the standout winners were Aryna Sabalenka and Chloe Kim, whose remarkable 2025 seasons earned them top honours in their respective categories.
Aryna Sabalenka was named World Sportswoman of the Year after a season that firmly established her dominance in women’s tennis. The Belarusian star delivered consistent performances across all four Grand Slams, reaching the semifinals in each and clinching the US Open title. Her ability to maintain a high level throughout the season saw her finish the year ranked world number one, a testament to both her power-driven game and improved mental composure on the biggest stages.
Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play, combined with her enhanced consistency, allowed her to outshine a strong field of nominees that included football star Aitana Bonmatí and athletics icons like Faith Kipyegon and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Her Laureus win places her among an elite group of athletes who have defined their sport over a calendar year. It also marks a significant milestone in her career, reinforcing her status as one of the leading figures in modern tennis.
In action sports, Chloe Kim once again proved why she remains a generational talent. The American snowboarder secured the Action Sportsperson of the Year award for the third time, having previously won in 2019 and 2020.
Kim’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. She claimed her seventh women’s snowboard halfpipe title at the X Games Aspen, extending her dominance in the discipline. In addition, she captured her third World Championship title, further solidifying her legacy in competitive snowboarding. Perhaps the most defining moment of her year came when she became the first woman to successfully land a double cork 1080 in competition.
The feat is widely regarded as a technical breakthrough in the sport, showcasing not only her skill but also her role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in women’s snowboarding. Her continued success highlights the evolution of action sports and the increasing visibility of female athletes in disciplines that were once male dominated.
The ceremony also honoured Carlos Alcaraz, who was named World Sportsman of the Year following a stellar season that included titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, along with a year end world number one ranking. In addition to individual accolades, the awards recognised achievements across multiple categories. Young football sensation Lamine Yamal was among those acknowledged for his breakthrough performances, while Formula One driver Lando Norris also featured among the rising stars.
The Team of the Year award went to Paris Saint-Germain, reflecting their dominance in club football, while Brazilian para swimmer Gabriel Araújo was honoured as Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nadia Comăneci. The honour marked 50 years since her iconic performance at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where she became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10. The award was presented by Simone Biles, who described Comăneci as her inspiration, bridging generations of excellence in gymnastics.
The Laureus Awards, established in 2000, remain one of the most prestigious honours in global sport, recognising achievements across disciplines and celebrating athletes who inspire beyond competition. For Sabalenka and Kim, their victories represent more than individual success. They reflect consistency, innovation, and the ability to perform under pressure at the highest level. As both athletes continue their journeys, their impact extends beyond titles and records, shaping the future of their sports and inspiring the next generation worldwide.
