Spanish sports media titan Marca has bestowed top international honors upon UAE Team Emirates-XRG and its star cyclist Tadej Pogacar, recognizing their extraordinary achievements during a record-shattering 2025 season. The Emirati cycling squad was named Best International Team of 2025, while Slovenian sensation Pogacar claimed the title of Best International Athlete, cementing their status as global sporting icons.
The awards come as the culmination of an unprecedented campaign that saw UAE Team Emirates-XRG dominate professional cycling with historic results. The team achieved a monumental 97 victories throughout the season – the highest single-season tally ever recorded in cycling history – accompanied by 56 podium finishes. Remarkably, 20 different riders contributed to this success, demonstrating exceptional squad depth and consistent performance across all competitions.
This recognition extends beyond cycling’s traditional boundaries, with Marca’s selection placing UAE Team Emirates-XRG ahead of internationally renowned sports organizations including Paris Saint-Germain Football Club and the McLaren Formula 1 racing team. The honor underscores the team’s evolution from cycling specialists to genuine global sports powerhouse.
Pogacar’s individual accomplishments formed the cornerstone of the team’s success. The Slovenian champion secured his position as UCI world No. 1 cyclist with victories including the Tour de France and three Monument classics, alongside podium finishes in all five Monument events. His consistent excellence across diverse racing formats ultimately earned him the Marca award over other international sports stars such as Jannik Sinner and Shohei Ohtani.
Team principal and CEO Mauro Gianetti acknowledged the significance of receiving recognition from outside the cycling world: ‘This reflects not only our 2025 achievements but the collective effort of our entire organization. Being acknowledged beyond our sport demonstrates the magnitude of what we’ve accomplished and provides tremendous motivation as we approach the 2026 season.’
The Marca awards serve as validation of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s third consecutive year as UCI World Tour top-ranked team, confirming their sustained dominance in professional cycling. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, this international recognition establishes new benchmarks for cycling teams aspiring to global sporting relevance.