Faith Kipyegon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Mondo Duplantis Among Nominees for Global Award

The nominees for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards have officially been announced on March 3, setting the stage for a star-studded ceremony at Madrid’s iconic Cibeles Palace on April 20.

Celebrating the most remarkable athletic achievements of the past year, this year’s shortlist features a blend of dominant world champions, rising teenage sensations, and inspirational stories of resilience.

From the lightning-fast tracks of athletics to the precision of the dartboard, the 2026 nominations reflect a year where sporting boundaries were pushed further than ever before.

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The Laureus World Sportsman of the Year category is a heavyweight clash of discipline-defining talent. Pole vault king Mondo Duplantis returns to defend his crown after another record-breaking season.

However, he faces stiff competition from the tennis world’s newest powerhouses, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Both men dominated the Grand Slam circuit in 2025, with Sinner securing the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

Joining them in this elite circle are cycling legend Tadej Pogačar, MotoGP star Marc Márquez, and French footballing talent Ousmane Dembélé.

On the women’s side, the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year field is equally stacked. Footballing icon Aitana Bonmatí looks to continue her era of dominance, but she is challenged by American swimming powerhouse Katie Ledecky and track-and-field titans Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Faith Kipyegon.

Tennis World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also earns a well-deserved nod following her remarkable consistency at the top of the rankings.

The Breakthrough of the Year category highlights the rapid ascent of young stars who have shaken up their respective industries.

All eyes are on British darts sensation Luke Littler, whose meteoric rise has transcended the sport of darts. He finds himself in a fascinating duel with Formula 1 star Lando Norris, who steered McLaren back to the top of the podium last season.

Also nominated is Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué, following in the footsteps of last year's winner, Lamine Yamal.

This year’s list is headlined by Leah Williamson, who returned from a devastating ACL injury to lead the Lionesses, and golf’s Rory McIlroy, who found his peak form once again on the global stage.

They are joined by cycling’s Egan Bernal, whose return from a life-threatening crash remains one of sport's most miraculous stories, and Simon Yates, who secured a dramatic Giro d’Italia victory against all odds.

Beyond individual accolades, the World Team of the Year category sees the England Women’s Football team go up against the McLaren Formula 1 team and the European Ryder Cup team.

The awards also recognise those making an impact off the field. The Laureus Sport for Good Award shortlist includes programs like Fútbol Más and the Kings County Tennis League, highlighting how sport can be a catalyst for social change.

In the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability category, stars like Catherine Debrunne and Gabriel Araújo lead a field of incredible athletes who continue to redefine the limits of human potential.