Messi becomes first footballer to win Princess of Asturias award
Lionel Messi has been named the 2026 winner of the prestigious Princess of Asturias award for Sports, becoming the first individual football player to be given the honor by the committee.
The former Barcelona captain was recognized by the jury for his sustained competitive excellence, global impact, and his off-field philanthropic efforts, particularly his foundation’s work providing educational and healthcare support for children.
The Princess of Asturias Award recognizes individuals and institutions for notable achievements in fields such as Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Scientific and Technical Research, International Cooperation, and Sports.
The jury, consisting of several members, including president of the foundation Teresa Perales, voted to award Messi with the accolade.
Messi was honoured with the award following a glittering career in football after winning eight Ballon D’or titles, two consecutive MLS MVP awards and been named MVP of LaLiga nine times.
He also won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies with Barcelona, the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami.
The Argentina captain also led his country to the 2021 and 2024 Copa America trophies, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Olympic gold medal.
Only the quartet of Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams, and Eliud Kipchoge have won the award for Sports.
In 2012, Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas shared the award while the entire Spanish national team won it in 2010 after winning the World Cup.
However, Messi is the only football player to win the award individually without sharing it with someone.
The Inter Miami forward was delighted to win the prestigious award.
Messi said: “Hi, We are already here concentrated in Kansas City with the national team but today I woke up to the news [of the award] with lots and lots of messages congratulating me on the Princess of Asturias award,” Messi said in a video from Argentina’s training camp ahead of the start of the World Cup.
“The truth is that for me it is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition because of the importance it has and for the fact that it is recognized not only for what I do on the pitch but also off the pitch.
“I am very happy, and very grateful. I wanted to let you know and send a big hug to everyone. Thank you and see you soon.”
Messi is currently in the Argentina national team camp preparing for his sixth World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico.
What You Need To Know About The Princess of Asturias Award
The Princess of Asturias Award for Sports is one of eight highly prestigious international awards presented annually in Oviedo, Spain by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias.
It recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations whose careers in sports promote, develop, and advance athletic excellence and social values.
The award comes with a cash prize of €50,000, a diploma and insignia and a sculpture specially created by artist Joan Miró to represent the award.
Eligibility Requirements For The Princess of Asturias Award
Nominations may be submitted by:
Laureates from previous years;
members of the eight Juries, duly convened each year, provided they do not present nominations for the award in the category corresponding to the Jury of which they are a member;
Spanish embassies;
diplomatic representations in Spain;
renowned public figures and institutions;
other public figures and institutions invited to do so by the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
