Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 rookie Lando Norris were among the athletes who took home honours on a glittering evening at the highly regarded Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, which brings together the most celebrated figures in sport, recognised McIlroy’s remarkable resurgence and Norris’s meteoric rise, alongside a host of other standout performers. McIlroy capped a long‑awaited career Grand Slam in 2025 – eleven years after his previous major victory – by capturing The Masters trophy at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. In recognition of that achievement, the Northern Irish golfer was presented with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
"Winning my second Laureus Award is a huge honour, both personally and for golf," McIlroy said, his voice tinged with emotion. "To have the sport recognised on a global stage like this, alongside so many great athletes, means a lot." He went on to reflect on the significance of the Masters win, describing it as a moment that will stay with him forever.
"There are certain moments in your career that stay with you, and winning The Masters is one I’ll carry with me forever. To then have a year like that recognised by Laureus is very special," he added.
The completion of the career Grand Slam, he explained, was "incredibly emotional" because it followed a series of near‑misses, setbacks and lingering doubts that had haunted him for years. "It probably means more because of everything that came before it – the near misses, the setbacks, and the questions along the way.
That’s a big part of the journey, and I’m grateful that this award recognises that." McIlroy also took the opportunity to salute his fellow nominees, noting that many of their stories had inspired him. He highlighted his personal connection to the Laureus foundation, which was created by South African businessman Johann Rupert, a man McIlroy knows personally.
"I know the Laureus Awards were founded by Johann Rupert, who I’m fortunate to know, so that makes this even more meaningful. I also believe strongly in what Laureus stands for and the idea, as Nelson Mandela said, that sport has the power to change the world." The night also shone a spotlight on Lando Norris, who emerged victorious after a dramatic showdown with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen.
Norris secured his first Formula One Drivers’ Championship title at the age of 26, a feat that earned him the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. "Thank you to the Laureus Academy for selecting me as their World Breakthrough of the Year winner. It’s an honour to be recognised by many legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers," Norris said, visibly humbled.
He reflected on the journey that led to his 2025 championship, emphasizing that the triumph was far from a solo effort. "Winning the world championship is something I dreamed about since I was young, so to win my first in 2025 is pretty special. It’s far from being an individual achievement – without my team, who were also nominated for a Laureus Team of the Year Award, I wouldn’t be where I am today," he explained. Norris also expressed his desire to inspire the next generation of drivers, noting that his name now sits alongside luminaries such as Lewis Hamilton and Jude Bellingham on the Laureus roll of honour.
"This Laureus is a reminder of everything that went into our win last season, and everything still to come," he added. In the tennis arena, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a spectacular season that saw him reclaim the world No 1 ranking and capture two Grand Slam titles – the French Open and the US Open. His relentless energy and tactical brilliance have quickly made him a fan favourite and a benchmark for the sport’s future. Joining Alcaraz in the winners’ circle was Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka, who added her name to an elite roster of women who have earned the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.
The list already includes legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and fierce competitive spirit have propelled her to the very top of women’s tennis, and the Laureus accolade underscores her impact on the global stage. The ceremony, held in New York, also featured a range of ancillary content for sports fans, including a preview of the PGA Tour 2026 tournament schedule, streaming options for the PGA Tour without a contract, and information on when golf will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Listeners were reminded to use the Chrome browser for the best video playback experience, and a link to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast was provided for those who prefer audio commentary. Beyond the awards themselves, the event highlighted the broader mission of the Laureus Sport for Good foundation, which leverages sport as a catalyst for social change. The organization continues to support programmes that empower youth, promote health and education, and foster community cohesion around the world.
As McIlroy noted, the philosophy championed by Nelson Mandela – that sport can change the world – remains at the heart of Laureus’s work. In summary, the Laureus World Sport Awards celebrated a diverse array of achievements across golf, motorsport, tennis and beyond.
Rory McIlroy’s triumphant return to the pinnacle of golf, Lando Norris’s breakthrough championship in Formula One, Carlos Alcaraz’s dominance on the tennis courts, and Aryna Sabalenka’s rise to the top of the women’s game were all honoured in a night that underscored sport’s capacity to inspire, unite and transform. The ceremony not only rewarded individual excellence but also reinforced the enduring belief that sport, when harnessed responsibly, can drive positive change worldwide.