The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid reached a fever pitch last night as **Carlos Alcaraz** was crowned the **World Sportsman of the Year**. In doing so, the 22-year-old Spaniard officially joined the most exclusive “Mount Rushmore” in tennis history, becoming only the fourth male player to ever receive the prestigious honor. By securing the award on home soil, Alcaraz has solidified his transition from a rising star to a global sporting icon.
Joining the Titans
Alcaraz’s victory puts him in a category occupied only by the “Big Three” of the modern era. He joins his fellow countryman **Rafael Nadal**, Swiss maestro **Roger Federer**, and **Novak Djokovic**—who notably served as the host for this year’s gala.
| Athlete | Years Won |
|—|—|
| **Roger Federer** | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2018 |
| **Novak Djokovic** | 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2024 |
| **Rafael Nadal** | 2011, 2021 |
| **Carlos Alcaraz** | **2026** |
A Trophy-Laden 2025
The award serves as a capstone to Alcaraz’s sensational 2025 season, which saw him finish as the **Year-End World No. 1**. Over the course of the year, he amassed an incredible **71–9 record**, capturing both the **French Open** and the **US Open**. Despite facing stiff competition for the Laureus trophy from rivals like **Jannik Sinner**, pole vaulter **Mondo Duplantis**, and F1 star **Lando Norris**, Alcaraz’s dual-Major campaign and eight total ATP titles proved impossible to overlook.
An Emotional Homecoming
The ceremony at Cibeles Palace was a family affair for Alcaraz, who accepted the award in front of his parents and brothers. In a heartfelt speech, he described the honor as “emotional” and “unforgettable,” reflecting on a journey that took him from a young dreamer in El Palmar to the pinnacle of global sports. While he accepted the award with a cast on his right hand due to a recent wrist injury, the “Carlitos” spirit was on full display as he thanked his fellow nominees for pushing him to new heights.
A Historic Night for Tennis
It was a clean sweep for the sport of tennis at the 2026 awards, as **Aryna Sabalenka** took home the **World Sportswoman of the Year** trophy. With Alcaraz becoming the youngest-ever winner in the Sportsman category, the night served as a powerful declaration that the future of the sport is in exceptionally capable hands. As the 2026 season continues, Alcaraz is no longer just chasing trophies—he is officially walking among the legends.