Known as "El Príncipe," Milito carved his legacy through a storied career in Argentina, Spain, and Italy, defined by his instrumental role in Inter Milan’s 2010 treble-winning season. Joining him is Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueño, widely celebrated as "El Buitre." As the face of the Madrid club during the 1980s, Butragueño remains a symbol of one of the most prolific eras in Spanish football history.

Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation board, including Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Filippo Paganelli, emphasized that these icons were selected for their conduct as much as their trophies. Alongside the football stars, the 2026 cohort features a diverse roster of elite talent, including pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, paralympic athlete Bebe Vio, swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri, and fencing champion Daniele Garozzo. The award continues its three-decade tradition of recognizing figures who serve as ambassadors for fair play, cementing the event’s status as a global celebration of athletic ethics.