Overview

• The Council of Ministers approved the decoration on Tuesday on the proposal of Sports Minister Pilar Alegría.
• Praise from the government cited Scariolo’s exemplary career and his role in building a model of success from grassroots to elite.
• The honor is the highest distinction granted by Spain in sport and, per El Correo, Scariolo is the first non‑naturalized foreigner to receive it.
• Across two stints, he led Spain to eight major medals, including the 2019 World Cup and EuroBasket titles in 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2022.
• Following Spain’s EuroBasket 2025 exit and his departure from the post, Real Madrid confirmed congratulations as he takes over for 2025–26, and the FEB now weighs successors such as Chus Mateo, Pablo Laso and Xavi Pascual.