Murcia's Carlos Alcaraz named World Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus Awards

The tennis prodigy from El Palmar was awarded for the 2025 season, which saw him return to world number one and win both Roland Garros and the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz was named World Sportsman of the Year on Monday night April 20, at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards. The ceremony took place at Madrid's Palacio de Cibeles and brought together some of the biggest names in sport. 

The award, which was presented by footballing legends Luis Figo and Iker Casillas, recognised the outstanding 2025 season for Alcaraz, which saw him return to world number one and add both Roland Garros and the US Open to his list of titles. He then went on to complete the Career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four majors and breaking Rafael Nadal's previous record.

There was also recognition for another young Spanish talent, with Lamine Yamal picking up the award for Best Young Athlete.

Back in Murcia, the Mayor and other local officials were quick to celebrate the achievement, with Alcaraz putting the Region firmly on the world stage.

Alcaraz managing injury ahead of the Italian Open and Roland Garros

But Carlitos Alcaraz is making headlines for more than just his awards at the moment, as he continues to deal with injury problems. Alcaraz has been dealing with a wrist injury picked up during the clay court season, with the first signs coming at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. The issue then forced him to pull out of the competition and the Mutua Madrid Open.

The problem seems to involve inflammation in a tendon and irritation in the cartilage of his right wrist, which has limited his ability to train properly and has required him to wear a splint while recovering.

He is currently following a recovery programme with medical specialists, and at the moment there is no fixed return date. His participation in the Italian Open in Rome is still uncertain, and there are also doubts over Roland Garros in Paris, one of the biggest competitions of his season.

They have said they are optimistic that he will be fit in time for Roland Garros in Paris, although everything will depend on how his recovery goes over the next couple of weeks. 

And it is not just fans in Murcia hoping he makes it back in time. Tennis supporters around the world are watching closely, as Alcaraz has become one of the sport's most popular figures, not only for his obvious talent but for his personality on and off the court.

Image: X/ Carlos Alcaraz