Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris were among the sporting stars recognised at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday for their outstanding achievements in 2025.
McIlroy, who was absent from the ceremony, won the Comeback of the Year award after his long-awaited Masters victory at Augusta in April. His play-off win over Justin Rose made him only the sixth player to complete a career grand slam, 11 years after he first stood one major away from the feat in 2014. In a pre-recorded speech, McIlroy reflected on his journey, saying his near-misses at the Masters pushed him to work harder and not give up.
British Formula One driver Lando Norris also received a Laureus award for his maiden world championship title, won after a tense battle with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. In a video message, Norris expressed gratitude to his team, family, and everyone who supported him, calling the achievement a dream come true.
Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was named World Sportsman of the Year, though he cast doubt on his ability to defend his French Open title next month. Alcaraz, who won both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2025, attended the ceremony with a protective cast on his right wrist after withdrawing from the Madrid Open for further assessment. He said he would rather return later than rush and risk long-term damage. Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka won the Sportswoman of the Year award.
Other winners included Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (inaugural Young Sportsperson of the Year), PSG (Team of the Year), American snowboarder Chloe Kim (Action Sportsperson of the Year), and Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Araujo (Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability). Nadia Comaneci received a Lifetime Achievement Award, 50 years after her historic perfect 10 at the Olympics.
