Three new Ambassadors announced at Madrid's Movistar Arena
The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards did not end after Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Lamine Yamal left the Palacio de Cibeles with their Laureus statuettes. The day after the greatest show in sports, Laureus announced three new Ambassadors as they were welcomed by the Comunidad de Madrid to the Movistar Arena, the world-class indoor sports and entertainment arena in the heart of Madrid.
AAfter the world’s greatest athletes were honoured at a globally-broadcast show, a team of four Laureus Academy Members joined the new Ambassadors for a tour of the Movistar Arena, a jewel in the crown of a city that has become a sporting capital of Europe.
From the Academy – the 69 sporting legends whose votes decide the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards – came two-time New York marathon champion Tegla Loroupe, Brazilian World Cup winner Cafu and two legends of rugby: Sean Fitzpatrick and Hugo Porta, former captains of the All Blacks and Argentina.
They welcomed to the Laureus movement three new Ambassadors who strengthen still further the connection between Laureus and Spain.
From the Academy – the 69 sporting legends whose votes decide the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards – came two-time New York marathon champion Tegla Loroupe, Brazilian World Cup winner Cafu and two legends of rugby: Sean Fitzpatrick and Hugo Porta, former captains of the All Blacks and Argentina.
They welcomed to the Laureus movement three new Ambassadors who strengthen still further the connection between Laureus and Spain.
Jennifer Pareja is a former world champion water polo player who in 2013 was voted the sport’s best female player. Oscar de Marcos ended a long career with Athletic Bilbao last year which included the 2024 Copa del Rey. Ander Mirambell was Spain’s first skeleton athlete and a four-time Olympian – now International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation’s Vice President Sport.
The Movistar Arena is world-famous sporting and entertainment arena that hosts premium events in handball and basketball, as well as concerts from acts including Dua Lipa and Radiohead.
Sean Fitzpatrick, the chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “What a perfect end to this year’s Laureus Awards – welcoming three great Spanish athletes to the Laureus family at one of Europe’s greatest indoor arenas. Madrid has been the perfect host and the Movistar Arena – along with the Madrid Masters tennis, two giants of Spanish football and the imminent return of Formula One to the city – is one of the reasons why it’s at the heart of European sporting culture.
“To Oscar, Jennifer and Ander: welcome to a movement that is changing the world. We can’t wait to have you on board.”
The Movistar Arena is world-famous sporting and entertainment arena that hosts premium events in handball and basketball, as well as concerts from acts including Dua Lipa and Radiohead.
Sean Fitzpatrick, the chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “What a perfect end to this year’s Laureus Awards – welcoming three great Spanish athletes to the Laureus family at one of Europe’s greatest indoor arenas. Madrid has been the perfect host and the Movistar Arena – along with the Madrid Masters tennis, two giants of Spanish football and the imminent return of Formula One to the city – is one of the reasons why it’s at the heart of European sporting culture.
“To Oscar, Jennifer and Ander: welcome to a movement that is changing the world. We can’t wait to have you on board.”
