From Hicham El Guerrouj to Messi: The Princess of Asturias Sports Award in Focus

Lionel Messi has received Spain’s 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first footballer to win the honour individually. The recognition highlighted both his sporting career and his humanitarian efforts.

The distinction places Messi among a list of recipients that includes Hicham El Guerrouj, illustrating the award’s reach across different sporting disciplines.

Messi’s individual recognition is central to this year’s award. The milestone concerns the way the honour was presented: to him personally, rather than as part of a team or alongside other footballers.

The praise accompanying the award also extended beyond competition. By recognising his humanitarian efforts alongside his sporting achievements, the honour put the broader impact of Messi’s career in the spotlight.