Shohei Ohtani has added another accolade to his impressive collection of awards. The baseball sensation has been named The Associated Press male athlete of the year for the fourth time, putting him in the same league as Lance Armstrong, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods for the most wins among male athletes.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Ohtani stated in an exclusive interview with the AP, “Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special.”
Securing 29 out of 47 votes from sports journalists, Ohtani’s exceptional performance as a two-way player led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a consecutive World Series victory, showcasing what many consider to be one of the greatest individual performances in sports history. His previous wins came in 2024, his debut season with the Dodgers, and in 2023 and 2021 during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani’s latest achievement breaks the tie with basketball legend Michael Jordan, whom he admired growing up in Japan alongside Tiger Woods. Looking ahead, Ohtani expressed his determination to continue striving for excellence, stating, “Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well.”
In a close race, Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, known for his world record-breaking feats, followed Ohtani in second place with five votes, while tennis star Carlos Alcaraz secured the third spot with four votes.
Since signing a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers in 2023, Ohtani has demonstrated exceptional consistency, clinching his fourth career Most Valuable Player award and becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve a unanimous vote. His remarkable performance in the 2025 season included a high on-base-plus-slugging percentage of 1.014 and hitting 55 home runs. Additionally, he returned to pitching after a hiatus since 2023, showcasing a 2.87 earned-run average and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings across 14 starts.
Notable for his postseason heroics, Ohtani delivered a standout performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, pitching six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hitting three home runs, earning him the MVP title for the game.
Despite facing challenges in Game 7 of the World Series, where he struggled with his pitching, Ohtani’s leadership and competitive spirit guided the Dodgers to their second consecutive World Series victory.
Embracing his role as a global ambassador for Major League Baseball, Ohtani’s impact extends beyond the field, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and enhancing the sport’s international appeal.
Maintaining a humble demeanor, Ohtani credits his success to setting high goals and relentless effort. Looking ahead, he remains committed to his two-way player status throughout his career, aiming to achieve further milestones, including a potential third consecutive World Series championship in 2026.
Off the field, Ohtani celebrated a significant personal milestone with the birth of his daughter in April. While he values his privacy regarding his family life, fans appreciate his occasional public speeches in English, indicating his willingness to bridge communication gaps with his global audience.
As Ohtani continues to let his performance speak for itself, both on and off the field, his legacy as a baseball phenom and cultural icon continues to grow.