World champion in 2025, Brazilian Henrique Marques was elected the best male athlete in the world in taekwondo last season. The award from the martial art’s international federation, World Taekwondo, was presented to the fighter during a ceremony in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on Monday (Feb. 2). In addition to the trophy, Marques became the first Brazilian to be honored by the entity, which created the accolade 12 years ago.

“Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that all this would come true [to me], a young black man born into a poor family and raised in a slum. Today, he has come to be recognized as the best in the world at what he does!” the 21-year-old athlete posted on social media.

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Born in Itaboraí, in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, the athlete won six medals in 2025, four of them gold. In October, he won Brazil’s first-ever title at the World Championships in Wuxi, China, in the men’s 80 kg category – a victory that propelled him to the top of the rankings. Henrique also won gold at the Rio Open, the Presidents Cup in Lima, Peru, and the Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand.

Henrique Marques’ peak last season was the result of his persistence and dedication. In 2023, Henrique Marques was about to represent Brazil at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, when he was surprised with a diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia during an exam right before departing. After undergoing surgery, he spent five months away from the mats to recover.

Back in training, Henrique secured a spot in April for the Paris Olympics. Before the start of the Games, his father passed away. Still grieving, the Brazilian star competed in Paris 2024 until he was eliminated in the quarterfinals.