Football Icons Set to Attend 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid
Football Legends to Grace Madrid Awards
This month, renowned football legends will gather to celebrate the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, also known as the Athletes' Awards. Notable attendees include Cafu, who holds the record for 142 appearances with Brazil and is the only player to compete in three World Cup finals, winning titles in 1994 and 2002. Marcel Desailly, a key player in France's 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship victories, will also be present. Luis Figo, who made history by playing for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Ruud Gullit, who won two European Cups with AC Milan and led the Netherlands to victory at Euro 1988, are among the stars attending.
A press release confirmed that these football icons will be in Madrid on April 20 to honor the top athletes of this generation, coinciding with the countdown of just 52 days until the inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Star-Studded Attendance List
The event will also feature other legendary football figures, including:
1. **Roberto Carlos**: Esteemed Brazilian left-back with 370 appearances for Real Madrid and 125 for Brazil, including a World Cup win in 2002.
2. **Raphaël Varane**: Centre-back with 360 matches for Real Madrid and 93 for France, part of the victorious 2018 World Cup squad.
3. **Iker Casillas**: Renowned goalkeeper, primarily with Real Madrid, boasting over 1,000 professional matches and 167 caps for Spain.
4. **Thiago Alcantara**: Current assistant manager at FC Barcelona, with a career spanning clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool, and 46 appearances for Spain.
5. **Leonardo Bonucci**: Centre-back with 121 caps for Italy, a Euro 2020 champion, and eight-time Serie A title winner with Juventus.
6. **Andrii Shevchenko**: Celebrated striker and Ukraine's top player, with 48 national team goals and a Ballon d'Or in 2004.
7. **Andre Villas-Boas**: Notable coach with experience at Porto, Chelsea, Tottenham, Zenit, and Marseille.
8. **Oscar de Marcos**: Athletic Bilbao's record outfield player with 573 games.
Celebrating Sporting Triumphs and Social Impact
The 2026 Laureus Awards will honor the remarkable sporting achievements of 2025 and commemorate over 20 years of the Laureus movement, which has positively impacted the lives of more than 7.5 million young individuals globally.
Winners will be determined by votes from the Laureus Academy members, the ultimate authority in sports, and will be revealed during the gala at Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20. Additional attendees, including nominees, Academy members, ambassadors, and special guests, will be announced soon.
Media Access
Accredited media will have the chance to cover the Awards Ceremony and conduct interviews with Laureus Academy members and other attending sports figures on April 19 and 20.