Golf sensation Rory McIlroy and Formula One champion Lando Norris were among the big winners at the prestigious Laureus World Sport Awards, held on Monday. McIlroy, who completed a highly anticipated career Grand Slam in 2025, received the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award for his outstanding achievement. The Northern Irish golfer expressed his gratitude, stating that receiving his second Laureus Award is a huge honor, not just for him, but also for the sport of golf. McIlroy reflected on the emotional moment of completing his career Grand Slam, which he described as incredibly emotional, especially given the setbacks and near misses he experienced along the way.
He also congratulated the nominees, particularly those in his category, and acknowledged the inspiration he drew from their stories. McIlroy emphasized his admiration for the Laureus Awards, which were founded by Johann Rupert, and his belief in the organization's mission to harness the power of sports to change the world, as aptly put by Nelson Mandela. Meanwhile, Norris took home the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, capping off an incredible year that saw him win his maiden Formula One drivers' championship title. The 26-year-old driver thanked the Laureus Academy for the recognition and acknowledged that his achievement was not solely his own, but rather a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team.
Norris expressed his hope to inspire young drivers, just as he was inspired by past winners of the award, including Lewis Hamilton. Other notable winners included Carlos Alcaraz, who was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and Aryna Sabalenka, who received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.