Alperen Şengün Shortlisted Among Top 10 Candidates for Balkan Athlete of the Year 2025
Turkish basketball standout Alperen Şengün has been shortlisted for the Balkan Athlete of the Year award, placing him among the region’s most accomplished athletes across multiple sports disciplines.
The nomination recognizes Şengün’s performances over the past year, both at club level and with the Turkish national team, where he emerged as one of the most influential figures on the court. His inclusion highlights Türkiye’s continued presence at the highest levels of regional and international sport.
A Benchmark Award in Balkan Sport
The Balkan Athlete of the Year award is determined through votes cast by news agencies from across Southeast Europe and is widely regarded as one of the region’s most respected individual sporting distinctions. It honors athletes whose achievements transcend national competition and resonate across borders.
Şengün’s nomination reflects his growing stature in international basketball and places him alongside Olympic champions, world medalists, and globally recognized figures from multiple disciplines.
Who Made the Shortlist
This year’s finalists represent a broad spectrum of sporting excellence from across the Balkans:
- Alperen Şengün (Türkiye) – Basketball
- Nikola Jokić (Serbia) – Basketball
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) – Basketball
- David Popovici (Romania) – Swimming
- Distria Krasniqi (Kosovo) – Judo
- Emmanouil Karalis (Greece) – Pole Vault
- Zrinka Ljutić (Croatia) – Alpine Skiing
- Stefanos Douskos (Greece) – Rowing
- Aleksandar Nikolov (Bulgaria) – Volleyball
- Karlos Nasar (Bulgaria) – Weightlifting
The diversity of the shortlist underscores the depth of elite athletic talent produced across the Balkans.
Why Şengün’s Inclusion Stands Out
For Türkiye, Şengün’s presence on the shortlist carries symbolic weight. Turkish sports analysts point out that recognition at this level reinforces the country’s profile in elite international sport and confirms the global competitiveness of Turkish athletes.
Even without the final vote, reaching the shortlist places Şengün among the region’s sporting elite — a distinction reserved for a select few each year.
Announcement Ahead
The final winner of the Balkan Athlete of the Year award is expected to be announced at an official ceremony in the coming months, following the completion of voting by participating news agencies.
Regardless of the outcome, Şengün’s nomination marks a significant milestone in his career and adds to Türkiye’s growing representation in top-tier international sports recognition.