With tennis's Roger Federer, cycling great Lance Armstrong, swimmer Michael Phelps and MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi, the 36-year-old Ferrari champion is nominated for the men's award.
The German bagged the 2004 prize, handed out annually at Estoril.
"This is really unique," Federer told the German media. "After all, it is awarded by a jury which includes a number of sports legends." -GMM