Madrid to host the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

The Laureus World Sports Awards, which honour and recognise the top athletes in world sport, return to the Spanish capital, Madrid, for the 2026 edition.

On Monday, April 20, the annual awards will be held at the Cibeles Palace in the heart of the Spanish capital, which also staged the previous two editions of the ceremony.

Raúl González Blanco, Laureus World Sports Academy Member and Real Madrid football legend is excited that Spain remains at the centre of world sport.

“I feel truly honoured that my home city is once again hosting this wonderful celebration of global sport," said Blanco.

"The Laureus World Sports Awards are special not only because they recognise sporting achievement and success, but also the positive change that sport can drive in our society,”

Since the 2024 edition, the awards in Madrid have linked Laureus-supported initiatives that provide educational opportunities and encourage active participation in sports in order to improve the lives of young people in the city and surrounding areas.

Real Madrid star and winner of the 2024 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, Jude Bellingham, was announced as a Laureus Ambassador in September.

In each of the seven major categories, one winner will receive a Laureus Sports stautette. The awardees will be selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy jury.

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