Madrid is set to take center stage once again in the international sporting calendar as the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards head to Spain’s capital on April 20, 2026. The prestigious ceremony—often dubbed the “Oscars of sport”—will be held at the iconic Palacio de Cibeles, where the world’s top athletes, sporting legends, and influential figures from entertainment and culture will gather to honor the standout achievements of the 2025 season.
Now hosted in Madrid for the third consecutive year, the Laureus Awards have quickly become one of the city’s hallmark global events, reinforcing its reputation as a global city of sport and a destination for elite international sporting occasions.
What Are the Laureus World Sports Awards?
The Laureus World Sports Awards were founded in 2000 and are widely recognized as among the most prestigious honors in the world of sport. Winners receive the iconic Laureus statuette, chosen by the esteemed Laureus World Sports Academy—a panel of global sporting legends and influential voices.
Each year, athletes are celebrated across multiple categories—including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, and more—highlighting not just victories, but the stories and moments that define a season on the global stage.
Madrid: A Sporting Capital
Madrid’s selection as host city underscores its growing importance in the world of sports. The city is home to some of the most storied institutions in global athletics: from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium—a regular stage for elite football—to the annual Mutua Madrid Open in tennis and the final stages of the Vuelta a España cycling race.
The capital is also preparing for a historic 2026 sports calendar, including the arrival of a Formula 1 Grand Prix and major international competitions across basketball, football, and cycling, further cementing its global sports profile.
More Than Just Awards
While the ceremony recognizes athletic excellence, Laureus also places emphasis on the profound social impact of sport. The Laureus Sport for Good Award—part of the awards program—celebrates individuals and organizations that use sport to create positive change in communities around the world. The Laureus Sport for Good network supports more than 300 programs in over 40 countries, helping millions of young people through inclusive and empowering activities.
Local engagement in Madrid has already seen Olympians like Jude Bellingham participate in community initiatives connected to Laureus-supported charities, illustrating the dual focus on athletic achievements and social legacy.
Looking Ahead
The Laureus World Sports Awards will once again draw global media attention, celebrating the heroes of sport and the dramatic moments that captivated fans worldwide throughout 2025. With nominations to be announced in the coming weeks, anticipation is building for what promises to be another memorable night of celebration, inspiration, and recognition in Madrid.
