Current Ballon d’Or holder, Lionel Messi, is eyeing the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards after his nomination alongside sprint sensation, Usain Bolt, and tennis king, Novak Djokovic.
The award ceremony is an annual event celebrating the most remarkable sportsmen and women along with their achievements from the previous calendar year.
The award selection is usually done by a panel of the world’s leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters.
After an incredible 2015 filled with trophies and individual honours, FC Barcelona playmaker, Messi, looks poised to win this coveted prize – an award the diminutive Argentine has failed to clinch in five previous editions.
Bolt confirmed his status as the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen by defending his 100 metres, 200 metres and 4×100 metres titles at the World Championships. The Jamaican superstar took his career tally to 17 world and Olympic gold medals.
Among Djokovic’s achievements in 2015 was winning three Grand Slam titles, becoming only the 3rd man to reach all four major finals (after Rod Laver and Roger Federer), reigning as world number one for the calendar year, winning a record six Masters 1000 tournaments, reaching the final of eight Masters 1000 tournaments, reaching 15 consecutive finals and a record 31 top 10 match victories.
Serena Williams, who earned her 10th Laureus nomination, will be hoping to win in the women’s category after her exploits on the tennis court in 2015.
The Laureus Awards, which is also known as the Oscars of Sports, will be presented in Berlin on Monday, April 18.
Full nominees list
Sportsman of the Year: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Athletics), Stephen Curry (US, Basketball), Novak Djokovic (Serbia, Tennis), Lewis Hamilton (UK, Motor Racing), Lionel Messi (Argentina, Football), Jordan Spieth (US, Golf).
Sportswoman of the Year: Genzebe Dibaba (Ethiopia, Athletics), Anna Fenninger (Austria, Skiing), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica, Athletics), Katie Ledecky (US, Swimming), Carli Lloyd (US, Football), Serena Williams (US, Tennis)
Team of the Year: All Blacks (New Zealand, Rugby), FC Barcelona (Spain, Football), Golden State Warriors (US, Basketball), Great Britain Davis Cup team (Tennis), Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team (Germany), US Women’s football team
World Breakthrough of the Year: Chile Men’s Football team, Jason Day (Australia, Golf), Tyson Fury (UK, Boxing), Adam Peaty (UK, Swimming), Jordan Spieth (US, Golf), Max Verstappen (Netherlands, Motor Racing)
Comeback of the Year Award: Dan Carter (New Zealand, Rugby), Jessica Ennis-Hill (UK, Athletics), Mick Fanning (Australia, Surfing), Michael Phelps (US, Swimmer), David Rudisha (Kenya, Athletics), Lindsey Vonn (US, Skiing)
