Rory McIlroy and Formula One rookie Lando Norris were among the athletes celebrated on a glittering evening at the highly respected Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, brought together champions from a wide range of disciplines to honor those who have excelled on the field and inspired fans around the globe. McIlroy’s moment was particularly historic. After a decade‑long wait since his last major triumph, the Northern Irish golfer finally completed the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters at Augusta National in 2025.
That victory not only secured his second green jacket but also earned him the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. "Winning my second Laureus Award is a huge honour, both personally and for golf," McIlroy said in his acceptance speech. "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 emotional weight of the Masters win.
"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 explained. The golfer described the journey to the Grand Slam as a roller‑coaster of near‑misses, injuries and public scrutiny. "Completing the career Grand Slam was incredibly emotional.
It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time, and 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 congratulate his fellow nominees, noting that many of their stories had provided him with inspiration throughout his own career.
He highlighted the personal connection he feels to the Laureus foundation, which was established by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, a man he knows personally. "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," McIlroy added. The night also shone a spotlight on Lando Norris, the 26‑year‑old British driver who captured his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in a dramatic showdown with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen.
Norris’s breakthrough season 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 moved. He emphasized that his championship was not 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 expressed his desire to inspire the next generation of drivers, adding, "It’s pretty incredible to have my name added to the list of winners of this award, joining athletes like Lewis Hamilton and Jude Bellingham.
I hope to also inspire young drivers coming through. This Laureus is a reminder of everything that went into our win last season, and everything still to come." In the individual categories, Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a spectacular 2025 campaign that saw him reclaim the world No.
1 ranking and capture two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open. His rise from teenage sensation to the sport’s top spot captured the imagination of fans worldwide and underscored his status as one of the most talented players of his generation. On the women’s side, Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Sabalenka joined an elite roster that includes legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka.
Her powerful baseline game and relentless determination have propelled her to multiple Grand Slam finals and a consistent presence at the top of the WTA rankings. The ceremony also featured a number of ancillary segments highlighting upcoming PGA Tour events, streaming options for fans, and promotional material for golf-related services. While these items were interspersed throughout the broadcast, the core focus remained on celebrating the athletes who have overcome adversity, achieved breakthrough performances, and used sport as a vehicle for positive change.
Overall, the Laureus World Sport Awards once again demonstrated its role as a unifying platform that not only honors excellence but also amplifies the message that sport can inspire, unite and transform societies. The stories of McIlroy, Norris, Alcaraz and Sabalenka serve as powerful reminders that perseverance, teamwork and a commitment to broader values are at the heart of every great sporting achievement.