Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris Celebrate Major Wins at Laureus World Sports Awards
Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris were among the standout winners at Monday night's Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Madrid, receiving prestigious accolades for their remarkable achievements during the 2025 season. The event, held in the Spanish capital, honoured a diverse array of global sporting stars for their exceptional performances and contributions to their respective disciplines.
McIlroy's Emotional Comeback Recognition
Though absent from the live ceremony, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy secured the coveted Comeback of the Year award. This recognition followed his long-awaited and dramatic victory at the Masters Tournament in Augusta during April 2025. McIlroy's triumph came after a tense play-off against Justin Rose, ultimately making him only the sixth player in history to achieve a career grand slam across all four major championships.
In a pre-recorded acceptance speech broadcast at the event, McIlroy reflected on his journey, stating: "I've had my fair share of near-misses at the Masters over the years and those moments are tough at the time, but they're also the ones that push you on, make you work harder and remind you not to give up. Thankfully it all came together for me in Augusta last year. I said when I was eight years old I wanted to win all the majors and to finally achieve that was an incredible feeling." His victory marked the culmination of an eleven-year pursuit, having first stood just one major away from the grand slam back in 2014.
Norris Celebrates Maiden Formula One Title
British racing driver Lando Norris also received significant recognition at the awards, honoured for his breakthrough maiden Formula One World Championship title in 2025. Norris secured the championship following an intense and season-long battle against his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Presented with his award via a pre-recorded video message by six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, Norris expressed his gratitude and joy. He remarked: "A very special award won and it means a lot to not just me but everyone I have been working with. Not many people in life get to achieve their dream, but I was the lucky guy that managed to do exactly that, so a big thanks to everyone at McLaren, my mum and dad of course, my whole family and everyone that's been on the journey with me. It's been incredible. A beautiful trophy. I will put it next to my World Championship trophy!"
Additional Laureus Award Winners Announced
The ceremony also celebrated numerous other sporting luminaries from across the globe. Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz was crowned World Sportsman of the Year, following his grand slam successes at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2025. However, Alcaraz's acceptance speech raised concerns about his immediate future, as he appeared wearing a protective cast on his right wrist. Having withdrawn from the Madrid Open for further medical assessment, Alcaraz cautioned: "I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future. We'll see what the tests show. But I prefer to come back a bit later rather than rush." Alcaraz becomes the fourth male tennis player to receive this prestigious honour.
Women's world number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka claimed the Sportswoman of the Year award, while Barcelona and Spain's rising football star Lamine Yamal scooped the inaugural Young Sportsperson of the Year accolade. Paris Saint-Germain football club were named Team of the Year, triumphing over contenders such as the England Lionesses and Europe's Ryder Cup team.
Further awards included American snowboarder Chloe Kim recognised as Action Sportsperson of the Year, and legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating fifty years since her historic first perfect ten score in Olympic gymnastics. Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Araujo was honoured as Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, rounding out a night celebrating excellence across the sporting spectrum.
