Rafael Nadal is among the nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.
After winning the prestigious award for achievements in 2011 and 2021, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is once again among the world’s greatest sports stars.
Rafa leads the men’s nominations along with Lionel Messi (Football), Max Verstappen (Formula 1), Mondo Duplantis (Athletics) and Kylian Mbappé (Football).

Won the Australian Open and the French Open, his 21st and 22nd career Grand Slam victories to surpass Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the winner of most men’s singles major titles. His French Open win was a record 14th. After winning the 2022 Australian Open, he became the fourth man, along with Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Novak Djokovic, to win all four majors at least twice – the Double Career Grand Slam.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, which are given annually since 2000, recognise outstanding sporting achievements during the previous calendar year.
The winners will be selected by the Laureus Academy, comprised of 71 retired legends of sport, and revealed at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spring.
I just read on nadal twitter page that hé is not playing iw and miami. That means hé will be out of the top 10
Ya I just read that as well on the ATP site (IW, it didn’t mention Miami). Sad that such an incredible record is going to fall but more than anything I worry about the difficulty he is going to have going forward. For much of his career he misses half of the year due to injury, now it appears his ability to storm back and win when he does play is no longer guaranteed and playing high seeds early in tournaments ads fuel to that fire.
In 2022 was no another athlete who deserved more than Rafa for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. Although Messi’s achievements (e.g. the world championship at last days of his national team career) are truly impressive, he did not deserve this award as much as Rafa did this time again.
Is nadal going to play iw and miami or not does anyone have an idea
No word yet on Indian Wells though most think not. A lot of people think Rafa should skip both IW and Miami. Personally I think he might play Miami because he has wanted to get back there and he would have last year except for the rib injury.
I hope hé plays miami iw will be difficult
I think he should play both. Him dropping out of the top 10 is a nightmare scenario for him. Won’t even have the benefit of playing his way into tournaments and since the majority are hard court his losing streak may continue to the point where he ends up retired.
I don’t know if he plays iw or Miami, but I know what will happen if he plays both.
This would be much deserved❤️
I think Messi will win. Nadal would have a stronger case if not injured.
Rafa is so deserving of it, However he would like to see the award go to Lionel Messi. One of Rafa’s many attributes is his humbleness and just one reason he is so beloved. Rafa has won it two times 2011 & 2021 so it would be nice for Lionel to get it! ❤️❤️ Rafa
Laureus for you, Rafa-good luck👏🍀🎾🏆🥰❤️
How noble of Rafa to say that he thinks Messi should get the award. Strong competition and both would be worthy winners, but I go with my champ, Rafa!
Espero que ganes, te lo mereces!!
🤩 Good luck to Rafa❤️
Good luck Rafa, really hope that you win, you so deserve it x
Hope you win rafa vamos
So happy for you darling Rafa