Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year
In the world of professional athletics, few accolades carry as much weight as the Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year. Often described as the sporting equivalent of the "Oscars," this prestigious honor recognizes the collective effort, strategy, and dominance required to reach the pinnacle of global competition.
The award is presented by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a global organization dedicated to social change. Beyond the glitz of the ceremony, the foundation manages over 150 charity projects that provide support to approximately 500,000 young people worldwide.
Key Facts
- Purpose: Honors the team that best demonstrates supreme performance and achievements, including world, continental, international, or national championship titles.
- Inaugural Year: 2000.
- Current Holder: Paris Saint-Germain FC (2026).
- Trophy: A bespoke statuette created by the luxury jeweler Cartier.
- Selection Process: A shortlist of six nominees is curated by leading sports editors, writers, and broadcasters, with the final winner chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy.
History and Evolution
The first Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony took place on May 25, 2000, in Monte Carlo. The event was marked by a keynote speech from Nelson Mandela, setting a tone of prestige and global unity for the awards. Since then, the ceremony has traveled to various locations around the world, most recently hosting the 2026 event in Madrid.
The inaugural recipient of the Team of the Year award was Manchester United. The English football club earned the honor after achieving a historic "treble" in the 1998–99 season, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Dominant Sports and Nations
While the award is open to all sporting disciplines, football has historically dominated the category, securing eleven wins—more than any other sport. Rugby union follows with four wins, and Formula One teams have claimed the title three times.
From a geographical perspective, France, Germany, and Spain have each seen their teams win the award three times. England and South Africa have each secured the honor twice.
Notable past winners illustrate the diversity of the award's reach, from the 2003 Rugby World Cup champions (England) to the 2016 World Series winners (Chicago Cubs).
Summary of Award Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Laureus Sport for Good Foundation |
| Criteria | Supreme performance and major championship titles |
| Most Successful Sport | Football (11 wins) |
| Most Successful Nations | France, Germany, Spain (3 wins each) |
| Latest Winner | Paris Saint-Germain FC (2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criteria for winning the Laureus Team of the Year award?
The award is given to the team that best demonstrates supreme performance and achievements, such as winning major national, international, continental, or world championship titles.
Who decides the winner of the award?
A panel of the world's leading sports broadcasters, writers, and editors creates a shortlist of six nominees. The final winner is then selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy.
Which sport has won the award the most?
Football is the most successful sport in this category, having won the award eleven times.
What is the significance of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation?
The foundation is the presenting body of the awards and uses its platform to support over 150 charity projects aimed at helping 500,000 young people globally.
Who was the first team to ever win this award?
Manchester United was the inaugural winner in 2000, following their historic treble-winning season in 1998–99.