Ousmane Dembélé did not receive the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award for 2026. The prestigious honour was instead conferred upon Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz during the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony.
Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, had been among the shortlisted nominees but was not selected as the ultimate recipient.
Carlos Alcaraz’s exceptional performances throughout 2025, including strong showings in major tournaments and maintaining a high level of consistency in elite competition, earned him recognition from the Laureus Academy.
The award acknowledges not only sporting excellence but also the inspirational impact athletes have on global audiences.
Alcaraz’s selection reflects his significant contributions to tennis and his emergence as one of the leading figures in international sport.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, widely regarded as the highest distinction in the sporting world, celebrate outstanding achievements across various disciplines.
This year’s outcome highlights the competitive nature of the nominations, which featured several elite athletes from football, tennis, athletics, and other fields. Alcaraz’s victory further cements his status as a standout talent in contemporary sports.
