Rory McIlroy and rising Formula 1 star Lando Norris were among the athletes who took home honours on a glittering evening at the renowned Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, gathered a host of elite sports figures to recognise the most inspiring achievements of the past year, and both McIlroy and Norris left the stage with trophies that reflect the remarkable narratives behind their recent successes. McIlroy’s victory was especially poignant.
Eleven years after his previous major triumph, the Northern Irish golfer completed the coveted career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, hoisting the iconic green jacket on Augusta National’s final day. In recognition of that historic comeback, he was presented with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
"Winning my second Laureus award is an extraordinary honour, both personally and for the sport of golf," McIlroy said during his acceptance speech. "To see golf celebrated on a global platform alongside so many outstanding athletes means a great deal to me." He went on to reflect on the emotional weight of the Masters victory. "There are certain moments in a career that stay with you forever, and winning The Masters is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To have that year acknowledged by Laureus makes it even more special," he added.
McIlroy described the journey to his career Grand Slam as a roller‑coaster of near‑misses, injuries, and doubts. "Completing the Grand Slam was incredibly emotional. It’s something I’ve chased for a long time, and it probably means more because of everything that came before it – the close calls, the setbacks, and the questions along the way. That’s a big part of the story, and I’m grateful the award recognises that," he explained.
He also took the opportunity to salute his fellow nominees. "I want to congratulate all of the nominees, especially those in my category. There are some amazing stories there, and I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from them," McIlroy said, highlighting the camaraderie that often goes unnoticed in high‑profile competitions.
The golfer noted the personal significance of the award’s origins, recalling his acquaintance with Johann Rupert, the founder of the Laureus Foundation. "Knowing Johann personally makes this award even more meaningful. I strongly believe in what Laureus stands for – the idea, as Nelson Mandela famously said, that sport has the power to change the world." The evening also shone a spotlight on Lando Norris, the 26‑year‑old British driver who captured his first Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship after a dramatic showdown with teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen.
Norris’s breakthrough season earned him the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most exciting new talents. "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 so many legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers," Norris said, visibly moved. He emphasised that his championship was far from a solo effort.
"Winning the world championship is something I dreamed about since I was a child, so to achieve my first title in 2025 is incredibly special. It’s not just 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," Norris explained. He expressed hope that his success would inspire the next generation of drivers, noting the company he now keeps among past laureates.
"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 inspire young drivers coming through. This Laureus is a reminder of everything that went into our win last season, and everything still to come," he added. In addition to McIlroy and Norris, the ceremony honoured tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz, who was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a stellar 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.
Alcaraz’s meteoric rise has drawn comparisons to the sport’s greats, and his award underscores his impact on tennis at a remarkably young age. The women’s award went to Aryna Sabalenka, who joined an elite roster of Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year recipients that includes legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka’s dominant performances throughout the year, highlighted by multiple high‑profile tournament victories, earned her recognition as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. The Laureus ceremony, which also featured a range of other categories such as Team of the Year, Sport for Good, and Lifetime Achievement, serves as a reminder of sport’s capacity to inspire, unite, and drive social change.
The awards are presented by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an organisation that channels the influence of sport into charitable initiatives worldwide. Beyond the accolades, the event offered a platform for athletes to discuss the broader impact of their work. Several winners referenced the foundation’s mission to use sport as a catalyst for education, health, and community development, echoing Nelson Mandela’s belief that sport can change the world. The evening concluded with a celebration of perseverance, talent, and the shared belief that sport transcends borders and cultures, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that behind every trophy lies a story of dedication, sacrifice, and hope.