Tadej Pogačar is one of the nominees for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award as World Athlete of the Year 2025. Following his outstanding 2024 season, the Slovenian professional cyclist is on the shortlist alongside top international athletes from various disciplines. Pogačar won the so-called Triple Crown of cycling last year - with victories in the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Road World Championships. The 25-year-old celebrated a total of 25 victories. Pogačar had previously been named Slovenian Cyclist and Sportsman of the Year as well as World Cyclist of the Year (Velo d'Or) have been honoured. The winners of the Laureus Awards will be announced at a gala in Madrid on 21 April.
In addition to Pogačar, other high-calibre athletes were nominated for the World Athlete of the Year award. Among them the Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcarazwho won two Grand Slam tournaments and the silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The Swedish pole vaulter Armand DuplantisOlympic champion and multiple world record holder, is on the list. The field is completed by the French swimmer Léon Marchandwho won four Olympic gold medals in Paris, and the four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen from the Netherlands.
Laureus Award 2025: The nominated athletes
- Carlos Alcaraz (Spain/Tennis)
- Mondo Duplantis (Sweden/athletics)
- Léon Marchand (France/Swimming)
- Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia/Cycling)
- Max Verstappen (Netherlands/Formula 1)
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This is not Pogačar's first nomination for a Laureus Award. He was already on the shortlist in the "Breakthrough of the Year" category in 2021 after his first Tour de France victory, but was unable to win the award back then. Before the Laureus winners are announced in Madrid on 21 April, Pogačar will start the 2025 cycling season, which he has already kicked off with a victory at the UAE Tour. Next on the programme for the Slovenian are numerous one-day races. The Strade Bianche race kicks off this Saturday, where Pogačar will be aiming for his second victory in a row and third triumph overall.
Thomas Pidcock nominated
In addition to the "World Sportsperson of the Year" category, the Laureus Awards are also presented in other categories. For example, there are awards for the "Action Sportsperson of the Year", in which another cyclist, Thomas Pidock, is nominated. The Brit won his second Olympic title on a mountain bike in 2024. The nominees in the "World Sportswoman of the Year" category for 2025 include multiple Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles from the USA and Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmatí.
Background to the Laureus World Sports Awards
The Laureus World Sports Awards are considered one of the most prestigious honours in international sport, similar to the Oscars in the film industry. They have been awarded since 2000. The nominations are made by a committee of over 1300 sports journalists from all over the world. The winners are then chosen by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, all of whom are former top athletes. The award ceremony takes place annually as part of a grand gala.
