Tadej Pogačar named as one of 100 most influential people in sport for 2026 alongside World Cup stars Messi and Ronaldo

Tadej Pogačar has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sport for 2026 by Time magazine, securing a place in the prestigious 'Icons' category alongside global superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Slovenian cyclist is the only rider to feature on the list, which recognises outstanding figures across various sports disciplines. This accolade follows a remarkable period in Pogačar’s career, cementing his status as one of the most dominant and versatile cyclists of his generation. Pogačar’s inclusion reflects his extraordinary achievements over the past year, including winning the Tour de France for the fourth time in 2025 and claiming his second world championship title. Additionally, he achieved an unprecedented streak by winning four out of five Monuments consecutively, showcasing his ability to excel across different race formats and terrains. Time magazine highlighted his prowess as a master climber and his adaptability to various race conditions, from cobbled classics to gravel events and individual time trials. The list also features a diverse group of athletes from across the sporting spectrum, including Winter Olympians like Mikaela Shiffrin and Alysa Liu, tennis stars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, and marathon world record holder Sebastian Sawe. Pogačar’s recognition is particularly significant given cycling’s ongoing efforts to regain mainstream prominence after the doping controversies that overshadowed previous stars like Lance Armstrong. His consistent success and growing global profile are helping to elevate the sport’s standing once again. Looking ahead, Pogačar has the opportunity to further enhance his legacy by aiming for a fifth Tour de France victory this summer, a milestone achieved by only four men in history. Earlier this year, he was also nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, underscoring his status among the elite athletes worldwide. As he continues to push the limits of the sport, Pogačar’s influence is set to expand, inspiring a new generation of cyclists and sports fans alike.