MADCUP has received the Community of Madrid’s Seven Stars of Sport Award in the Promotion of Sport category. Covering the years 2024 and 2025, the award recognises the work of individuals and organisations committed to the development and promotion of sport across the region.
The award was presented to Miguel Ángel Benzal, CEO of MADCUP, by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, in the presence of Mariano de Paco, Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport. The ceremony was also attended by Enrique Cerezo, President of Atlético de Madrid; Paco Díez, President of the RFFM; representatives from other federations and institutions; and the remaining award recipients. The distinction highlights the innovative nature of the MADCUP project and its ability to turn grassroots sport into a tool for education, personal growth and social transformation, promoting values such as respect, teamwork, inclusion and interaction among young people from different backgrounds.
The MADCUP ecosystem is built around three main areas — sport, education and industry — connected by a shared vision: generating a positive impact through sport. In the sporting arena, MADCUP FOOTBALL, MADCUP BASKET, MADCUP VOLLEY and MADCUP TENNIS organise competitions that foster talent, social interaction and values-based education. In education, STEM RACING SPAIN, a project promoted by the MADCUP Foundation, introduces younger generations to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through an innovative educational experience. Meanwhile, SPORTS SUMMIT MADRID, the annual global meeting point for the sports industry, brings together key stakeholders from across the sector, creating opportunities for innovation and business.
The award represents significant institutional recognition for a project that continues to grow both in Spain and internationally, with the ambition of building a lasting legacy for future generations and helping establish the Community of Madrid as an international benchmark in sport.
The Seven Stars of Sport Awards also recognise the achievements, talent and commitment of outstanding figures and organisations across the sporting landscape. Recipients in the Best Male Athlete category include Sergio Rodríguez, known as “El Chacho,” in 2024, and drivers Marc Márquez and Álex Márquez in 2025. In the female category, race walker María Pérez and athlete Blanca Hervás have been recognised.
In other categories, JOMA was recognised for its contribution to the promotion of sport; Real Canoe Natación Club and Club Voleibol Leganés were honoured as sports organisations; Vicky López and Rafael Jódar received recognition as promising young athletes; and Tres Cantos and Aranjuez were acknowledged for promoting sport through local government initiatives. The Unoentrecienmil Foundation and UAX Rafa Nadal University School were also recognised for their commitment to sporting values, with former tennis player Rafa Nadal attending the ceremony.
The awards also recognised initiatives and careers dedicated to social responsibility and inclusion in sport. These included Jeraid Pardo, known as “El Tío de la Barba,” for his work promoting safer cycling and charitable initiatives, and Antonio Guerrero, who served as Deputy Director-General for Sports Management at the Community of Madrid until December 2025. FEDDIG2008 Association and Club de Natación Pozuelo were also recognised in the Inclusive Sport category.
At MADCUP, we would like to thank the Community of Madrid for this recognition, which encourages us to continue growing and championing sport as a tool for education, development and bringing people and cultures together.
We would also like to thank all the institutions and organisations that make our work possible and contribute to the growth of our project through their support and commitment, including LALIGA, Enrique Cerezo, Paco Díez, Real Madrid, the mayors of the municipalities that host and help deliver our tournaments, and the presidents of the football, volleyball, basketball and tennis federations. Thank you for helping us continue to promote the values of sport and create opportunities for future generations.
