Paulo Dybala has spent a career turning tight angles into art, and now the Argentine World Cup winner has angled himself into an even grander arena.
Dybala—five‑time Serie A champion, Qatar 2022 hero and current AS Roma talisman—has been unveiled as the latest Laureus Ambassador, kicking off his new role with a feel‑good visit to Rome’s Calcio Insieme programme before jetting to the 25th‑anniversary Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday.
From Turin trophies to ‘sport for good’
Laureus doesn’t hand out ambassadorships like post‑match pizza slices. Dybala began by meeting 30 youngsters at Calcio Insieme, an AS Roma Foundation project that uses football to empower children with intellectual disabilities.
The smiles were genuine, the nutmegs gentle, and the message crystal clear: silverware is lovely, but significance is better.
“It is a huge honour to join Laureus as an Ambassador. I have been inspired to learn about the incredible work they do, and to see ‘sport for good’ in action during my visit to Calcio Insieme was a great experience. The Laureus mission, to use sport as a vehicle for societal change, is inspiring and I am looking forward to attending a special 25th anniversary Laureus Awards in Madrid in the company of many sporting legends.”
Madrid spotlight: legends, rookies and one comeback queen
The Palacio de Cibeles will heave with star power on 25 April. Spain’s own Rafael Nadal—now retired with the rare “Laureus Slam” on his résumé—heads a guest list that reads like the sporting world’s VIP section.
Throw in Hollywood sheen from fashion and film, and you’ve got a gala that would make the Met look underdressed.
Your master of ceremonies: Lindsey Vonn
The ski icon will swap downhill speed for microphone control: “It is a huge thrill to host the Awards once again. I enjoyed the experience virtually three years ago in Seville, but this time it will be even more special with everyone actually in attendance… Looking forward to seeing everyone in Madrid! Vamos!”
Given that Vonn just snagged a World Cup podium at 40, expect her to glide through the show with trademark poise—and perhaps remind nominees that age is only a number (albeit one best tackled with titanium knees).
A snapshot of headline nominees
| Award | Leading Contenders |
|---|---|
| World Sportsman of the Year | Carlos Alcaraz, Mondo Duplantis, Max Verstappen |
| World Sportswoman of the Year | Simone Biles, Aitana Bonmatí, Aryna Sabalenka |
| Team of the Year | FC Barcelona Femení, Real Madrid, Boston Celtics |
| Breakthrough of the Year | Victor Wembanyama, Bayer Leverkusen, Lamine Yamal |
| Comeback of the Year | Rebeca Andrade, Caeleb Dressel, Lara Gut‑Behrami |
(Full nominee lists available at laureus.com.)
Why Dybala’s move matters
Laureus Ambassadors aren’t ornamental—they’re boots‑on‑grass advocates for 300‑plus Sport for Good programmes in over 40 countries.
Dybala’s bilingual charisma and global fanbase could turbo‑charge fundraising and visibility, especially across South America and Serie A’s sprawling digital ecosystem.
Looking ahead
- Monday, 25 April – Laureus Awards broadcast live worldwide
- Summer 2025 – Dybala scheduled for additional Sport for Good activations in Buenos Aires and Córdoba
- AS Roma run‑in – Expect a few cheeky side‑line interviews as pundits ask the forward whether Laureus hardware feels heavier than the Scudetto (spoiler: he’ll politely dodge like a defender on ice skates).
Bottom line
He’s danced through defences, lifted golden trophies and now, with Laureus pin on lapel, Paulo Dybala is set to score where the results echo far beyond the scoreboard.
In Madrid, the No. 21 will trade boots for black tie—but don’t bet against him stealing the show all the same.
