Football royalty will take centre stage in Madrid later this month as global legends including Cafu, Marcel Desailly, Luis Figo and Ruud Gullit prepare to attend the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards.

The iconic quartet will headline a star-studded guest list at the prestigious ceremony scheduled for April 20 at the historic Cibeles Palace in Madrid, marking one of the biggest nights in the global sporting calendar.

Widely regarded as the “Athletes’ Awards,” the Laureus World Sports Awards recognise the finest achievements in sport over the past year, while also celebrating the broader impact of sport across communities worldwide.

Football Legends Bring Star Power to Madrid

The presence of Cafu, Desailly, Figo and Gullit adds significant historical weight to the ceremony, with each player leaving an indelible mark on world football.

Cafu, Brazil’s legendary right-back, remains the only player in history to appear in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 1994 and again in 2002. His leadership and consistency made him one of Brazil’s most respected captains.

Marcel Desailly, another defensive stalwart, was a key figure in France’s golden era, playing a central role in their 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph and UEFA Euro 2000 victory.

Luis Figo, one of football’s most technically gifted midfielders, made headlines throughout his career, particularly for his historic move between Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid – one of the sport’s most talked-about transfers.

Meanwhile, Ruud Gullit, known for his versatility and commanding presence, captained the Netherlands to victory at UEFA Euro 1988 and won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1987. His success with AC Milan, including two European Cup titles, cemented his place among football’s all-time greats.

Their appearance at the Laureus Awards also comes at a time of growing excitement in world football, with the ceremony taking place just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

A Gathering of Global Football Icons

The legendary quartet will be joined by several other prominent football figures, turning the awards into a celebration of the sport’s past and present.

Among the notable attendees confirmed are Roberto Carlos, one of the greatest left-backs in football history and a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002; Raphaël Varane, who was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad; and legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, widely regarded as one of the finest shot-stoppers of his generation.

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcântara, Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci, Ukrainian football icon Andrii Shevchenko, and coach André Villas-Boas are also expected to attend, alongside long-serving Athletic Bilbao captain Óscar de Marcos.

With more names expected to be announced in the coming days, the event is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded editions in Laureus history.

Celebrating Sporting Excellence Beyond the Field

While the presence of football icons adds glamour to the ceremony, the Laureus Awards remain focused on recognising outstanding sporting performances across disciplines.

The 2026 edition will honour achievements from the 2025 sporting calendar, with winners chosen by members of the Laureus Academy – a distinguished panel of former champions and sporting icons.

Beyond the awards themselves, the Laureus movement continues to emphasise sport’s ability to create social change. Over the past two decades, Laureus-supported initiatives have reached more than 7.5 million young people worldwide, using sport as a tool for education, empowerment and community development.

Countdown to Sport’s Big Night

With Madrid set to host some of the biggest names in global sport, anticipation is steadily building ahead of April 20.

The ceremony is expected to combine sporting prestige with global attention, particularly as the football world turns its focus toward the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As legends, current stars and rising talents gather under one roof, the Laureus World Sports Awards will once again serve as a reminder of sport’s enduring ability to inspire – both on and off the field.