Darts sensation Luke Littler and Formula One world champion Lando Norris are among the nominees for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award. The 18-year-old Littler, known as 'The Nuke', became the youngest ever world champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. He has since completed the career triple crown by adding the World Championship to the World Matchplay and Premier League titles.
Norris, who beat four-time champion Max Verstappen to the F1 drivers' title in a dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, faces competition from Littler, Paris Saint-Germain's Désiré Doué, tennis player João Fonseca, basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Yu Zidi. The award was won last year by Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
In the World Comeback of the Year category, UK stars dominate with Rory McIlroy, Leah Williamson, and Simon Yates nominated. McIlroy ended an 11-year major drought by winning the Masters at Augusta, while Williamson captained England to successive European Championship titles after Arsenal's Champions League win. Yates won the Giro d'Italia seven years after losing a 38-minute lead.
The England women's football team, McLaren's F1 team, and Europe's Ryder Cup team are nominated for World Team of the Year. They face competition from India's women's cricket team, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Paris Saint-Germain. The winners will be announced at Madrid's Cibeles Palace on April 20.
