Marc Marquez, the reigning MotoGP champion, has secured a nomination for the 2026 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award. The announcement places the Spanish rider amongst leading athletes from various sports, highlighting his continued excellence in motorcycle racing and resilience after years of setbacks.
Elite Group of Athletes Competing for the Honor
Marquez shares the shortlist with notable sports figures including tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, football player Ousmane Dembele, athletics champion Mondo Duplantis, and cyclist Tadej Pogarcar. The diversity of this group showcases the wide-reaching scope and competitiveness of the award.
Marquez Reflects on His Multiple Laureus Nominations
This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards – but I still get that same buzz that I felt receiving my first one, 12 years ago!
Marquez said.
The quality of the Nominees goes to show how special the Awards are, and I’m delighted to be shortlisted amongst such prestigious company.
Marquez added.
Career Challenges and Triumphs Leading to Recognition
Throughout his career, Marquez has faced grueling injuries and uncompetitive equipment, yet he remarkably ended a five-year gap between MotoGP titles in his first season riding for the factory Ducati team. His journey of persistence and skill has earned him previous nominations for the Laureus award, including in 2015 and 2020 for World Sportsman, and in 2022 and 2025 for Comeback of the Year. He won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year in 2013.
It has been an enjoyable but challenging year for me: I’ve been waiting for a long time to get back to the top, and [last] season took an incredible effort to win the title again,
Marquez commented.
Significance of Marquez’s Nomination Among Top Athletes
There’s more work to be done, but it’s a special honour to be shortlisted for this Award alongside incredible athletes from tennis, football, athletics, and cycling.
Marquez noted, highlighting the honor of standing alongside his peers.
Among motorsport professionals, only Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton have previously won the World Sportsman award. The most recent recipient was Mondo Duplantis in pole vault athletics.
Award Ceremony Scheduled in Madrid, Marquez’s Home City
The winner of the 2026 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year will be revealed during an event held in Madrid, where Marquez currently resides, on April 20. This ceremony marks a significant moment for Marquez and the global sports community as they celebrate top yearly achievements.
