Overview
- Laureus unveiled the 2026 nominee lists on March 3 across seven main categories, spanning individual and team honors.
- The men's Athlete of the Year shortlist features Tadej Pogacar, Marc Márquez, Ousmane Dembélé and reigning winner Mondo Duplantis alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
- The women's Athlete of the Year nominees are Aryna Sabalenka, Katie Ledecky, Aitana Bonmatí, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Faith Kipyegon and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.
- Neither Alcaraz nor Sinner has previously claimed the Laureus top prize.
- Nominees were selected by the Laureus Global Media Panel, and no German athletes appear on this year's lists.