In a world driven by competition and the pursuit of victory, sportsmanship stands out as the soul of athletic excellence. While trophies and titles often capture headlines, it’s the moments of respect, humility, and integrity that leave a lasting impact. The top sportsmanship awards across the globe recognize athletes and teams who demonstrate the true spirit of sport—playing fair, respecting opponents, and showing grace in both victory and defeat.
Here’s a look at the most prestigious sportsmanship awards that celebrate the best of character in the world of sports.
1. FIFA Fair Play Award
Recognized by: FIFA
Since: 1987
The FIFA Fair Play Award is one of the most well-known sportsmanship honors in global football. It’s presented annually to individuals, teams, fans, or associations who demonstrate exceptional acts of fair play or promote the game’s spirit.
Notable Moments:
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Italian national team fans (2006) for gracious behavior at the World Cup
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Miroslav Klose (2012) for admitting a handball goal
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Leeds United (2019) for allowing Aston Villa to score after controversial play
This award highlights the importance of honesty and respect in one of the world’s most competitive sports.
2. Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy
Recognized by: International Fair Play Committee (CIFP)
Since: 1965
Named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games, the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy is one of the top sportsmanship awards internationally. It honors athletes or teams who perform selfless acts in the name of fair competition.
Award Categories:
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Act of Fair Play
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Career in the Spirit of Fair Play
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Promotion of Fair Play
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Fair Play Trophy for Youth
Famous Recipients:
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Eugenio Monti (bobsleigh, 1964) for helping rivals win
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Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin (athletics, 2016) for helping each other after a fall
It’s often considered the “Nobel Prize” of sportsmanship.
3. US Sportsmanship Award (NCAA)
Recognized by: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), USA
This award is presented annually to student-athletes who exemplify ethical behavior, integrity, and respect in college sports.
Why It Matters:
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Reinforces character development in youth
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Highlights positive examples in competitive college athletics
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Celebrates off-field leadership and team spirit
As a leading sports organization in the U.S., the NCAA sets an example with this key inclusion in their award system.
4. Laureus World Sportsmanship Award (Spirit of Sport)
Recognized by: Laureus World Sports Academy
Though not awarded annually, the Spirit of Sport Award is given to athletes or teams who show extraordinary commitment to fair play, perseverance, and humility.
Memorable Winners:
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Derek Redmond and his father (2000) for their emotional Olympic finish
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Team Hoyt (father-son duo) for promoting inclusivity in athletics
As part of the prestigious Laureus Awards, it stands among the top sportsmanship awards in the world.
5. Jack Kelly Fair Play Award (USOC)
Recognized by: United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)
This award honors athletes or teams who exemplify the Olympic ideal of fair play and good sportsmanship.
Past Honorees:
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Bob Mathias, Olympic decathlon legend
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Lopez Lomong, former child soldier turned U.S. Olympian for advocacy and leadership
The award is named after Jack Kelly, a three-time Olympic rower and father of actress Grace Kelly.
6. NBA Sportsmanship Award (Joe Dumars Trophy)
Recognized by: National Basketball Association (NBA)
The Joe Dumars Trophy, named after the respected former Detroit Pistons player, is awarded to the NBA player who best exemplifies ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity on the court.
Voting:
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Chosen by fellow NBA players
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Recognizes conduct throughout the regular season
Notable winners include Grant Hill, Mike Conley, and Kemba Walker—athletes who play with honor in one of the most competitive leagues on the planet.
7. FIFA Fan Award
Though not a player-specific honor, the FIFA Fan Award recognizes outstanding gestures of support, solidarity, or sportsmanship shown by fans.
Inspiring Examples:
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Japanese fans cleaning stadiums after matches
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Brazilian fans supporting a disabled child’s dream to meet Neymar
This award reminds the world that sportsmanship isn’t limited to athletes—it extends to spectators too.
8. Arthur Ashe Courage Award (ESPYs)
Recognized by: ESPN
Though broader than sportsmanship alone, this award honors athletes who show courage, perseverance, and integrity in the face of adversity—values closely tied to fair play.
Notable Winners:
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Muhammad Ali
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Billie Jean King
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Caitlyn Jenner
The award, presented during the annual ESPY Awards, has become a global symbol of moral courage in sports.
Final Thoughts
While records can be broken and titles change hands, the legacy of good sportsmanship endures. The top sportsmanship awards in the world highlight the values that truly matter in sports—respect, honesty, courage, and compassion. Whether it’s helping a fallen competitor, admitting a mistake, or simply playing fair in the heat of the moment, these actions define what it means to be a true athlete.
