Madrid set to steal the global spotlight as 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards return

The world’s leading athletes, alongside members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, will converge on Madrid for what is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious celebrations in international sport. The ceremony will honour the standout sporting achievements and performances of 2025, while also highlighting the transformative power of sport in communities across the globe.

Madrid has established itself as one of the world’s foremost sporting cities. The capital is home to the Mutua Madrid Open, a marquee event on the international tennis circuit, and hosts the final stage of cycling’s Vuelta a España. In September 2026, Madrid will further strengthen its sporting credentials by hosting its first Formula 1 race in the city since 1981.

Two of world football’s most prominent institutions are also based in Madrid. Real Madrid, 15-time UEFA Champions League winners, continue to command global attention at the redeveloped Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, while Atlético de Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium—home to the three-time UEFA Europa League champions—will host the 2027 UEFA Champions League final and is a potential venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to the club’s official website.

Since Madrid first hosted the Laureus Awards in 2024, the city has also benefited from the work of Laureus Sport for Good, which supports community-based programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people through sport. A growing network of Laureus Ambassadors in Madrid has helped connect local initiatives focused on education, inclusion and youth development.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, winner of the 2024 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, was named a Laureus Ambassador in September. He marked the occasion by joining local children for a team-building football workshop at Fútbol Más, a Laureus-supported charity.

The iconic Laureus statuette will be presented to winners across seven major categories, selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, regarded as the ultimate jury in world sport.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, said the city’s growing international profile was driven by its ability to host major sporting events. “Madrid is more relevant than ever, thanks in part to global sporting events that choose our region for its culture, safety, prosperity and deep passion for sport,” she said.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida said the capital was proud to host the awards once again. “Madrid has proven that it has the capacity to stage the world’s greatest sporting events. We are delighted to welcome the Laureus World Sports Awards for the third consecutive year,” he said.

Laureus World Sports Academy member and Real Madrid legend Raúl González Blanco described the event as a celebration of both sporting excellence and social impact. “The Laureus Awards are special not only for recognising sporting success, but also for the positive change that sport can drive in society. I am honoured that my home city will host this celebration once again,” he said.