Golf sensation Rory McIlroy and Formula One champion Lando Norris were among the big winners at the esteemed Laureus World Sport Awards, held on Monday. McIlroy, who achieved a long-awaited career Grand Slam in 2025, was honored with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. McIlroy expressed his gratitude, stating, "Receiving my second Laureus Award is a tremendous personal and professional honor. It's wonderful to see golf recognized on a global stage alongside such incredible athletes." He added, "Certain moments in your career stay with you forever, and winning The Masters is one of them.

Having a year like that recognized by Laureus is truly special. Completing the career Grand Slam was incredibly emotional, and it means even more due to the journey, including the setbacks and near misses.

I'm grateful this award acknowledges that. "I'd also like to congratulate all the nominees, especially those in my category. Their stories are truly inspiring, and I've drawn a lot of motivation from them. "The fact that the Laureus Awards were founded by Johann Rupert, whom I'm fortunate to know, makes this even more meaningful.

I firmly believe in what Laureus stands for and the idea that sport has the power to change the world, as Nelson Mandela once said." Norris, who claimed his maiden Formula One drivers' championship title, received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. "I'm thankful to the Laureus Academy for selecting me as their World Breakthrough of the Year winner. It's an honor to be recognized by such legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers," Norris said.

"Winning the world championship is a dream come true, and to achieve it in 2025 is pretty special. It's not just an individual achievement; without my team, I wouldn't be where I am today. "It's incredible to have my name added to the list of winners of this award, alongside athletes like Lewis Hamilton and Jude Bellingham. I hope to inspire young drivers coming through.

This Laureus award serves as a reminder of everything that went into our win last season and everything still to come." Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a remarkable campaign, while Aryna Sabalenka joined an elite list of tennis players to have received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.