Carlos Alcaraz Named World Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus Awards

Alcaraz Takes the Top Prize in Madrid

Carlos Alcaraz, the tennis superstar from El Palmar in Murcia, has been named World Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards — one of the most prestigious individual honours in global sport. The ceremony was held on April 20 at Madrid's iconic Palacio de Cibeles, with footballing legends Luis Figo and Iker Casillas among those presenting the awards.

The recognition caps an extraordinary run for the 22-year-old Spaniard, who has rapidly established himself as one of the greatest tennis players of his generation.

The Season That Won Him the Award

The Laureus panel recognised Alcaraz's 2025 season — a campaign in which he returned to the world number one ranking and claimed two of tennis's four Grand Slam titles:

• Roland Garros — the French Open crown on clay in Paris
• US Open — victory in New York to close out the season in style

It was a statement year that silenced any doubters and confirmed Alcaraz as the dominant force in men's tennis.

History Made at the Australian Open

But the award was announced against the backdrop of an even greater achievement. Earlier in 2026, Alcaraz won the Australian Open — defeating Novak Djokovic in the final — and in doing so completed the Career Grand Slam: winning all four major titles (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open) at least once.

In achieving this, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four Grand Slam tournaments, surpassing the record previously held by his compatriot and mentor Rafael Nadal. It is the kind of milestone that places him firmly in the conversation about the greatest players ever to pick up a racket.

Lamine Yamal Also Honoured

It was a night of Spanish celebration at the Laureus Awards. Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona and Spain football sensation, was named Best Young Athlete at the same ceremony — a fitting recognition for a player who has taken European football by storm.

For Spain, having two of its athletes honoured at one of sport's great annual ceremonies, hosted on home soil in Madrid, was a moment of genuine national pride.

Murcia Celebrates Its Own

Back in the Region of Murcia, where Alcaraz grew up, local officials and the regional mayor were quick to celebrate the achievement. For a region more often associated with agriculture, tourism and its Mediterranean coastline than global sporting superstardom, having a Laureus World Sportsman of the Year is a source of enormous local pride.

Alcaraz has spoken frequently about his roots and his connection to El Palmar, and his continued attachment to the region — even as his fame has become truly global — has made him a beloved figure at home.

Cloud on the Horizon: Wrist Injury

The only shadow over what should be a period of pure celebration is a right wrist injury that has forced Alcaraz off the court during the clay season. The issue involves tendon inflammation and cartilage irritation — not the kind of injury that raises long-term fears, but enough to sideline him from competition in the short term.

Alcaraz has already withdrawn from the Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open — the latter particularly poignant given it is being played on home soil this week. His participation in the Italian Open and Roland Garros, where he will be defending his title, remains uncertain.

Medical specialists have, however, expressed optimism about his recovery timeline, and the expectation is that the injury will not derail his season entirely. For now, the Laureus award provides a reminder of just how much this young man from Murcia has already achieved — injury or not.

This article is based on reporting from Murcia Today, published April 21, 2026.