Rory McIlroy and Formula One newcomer Lando Norris were among the athletes honored on a glittering evening at the esteemed Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, gathered sport’s most celebrated figures to acknowledge extraordinary achievements from the previous year, and both McIlroy and Norris walked away with prestigious trophies that reflect the magnitude of their recent successes.
McIlroy capped a long‑awaited career Grand Slam in 2025, securing his first Masters victory at Augusta National eleven years after his previous major triumph. The win not only added the iconic green jacket to his collection but also completed the quartet of majors that every elite golfer aspires to claim.
In recognition of this historic accomplishment and his remarkable resurgence, the Northern Irish star 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 during 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 his Masters victory, describing it as a moment he will carry with him forever. "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 paid tribute to his fellow nominees, noting the inspiring stories that populated the category.
He highlighted his personal connection to the Laureus Awards, which were founded by South African businessman Johann Rupert, a friend 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," he added, underscoring the broader social mission behind the ceremony.
In the world of motor racing, 26‑year‑old Lando Norris achieved a milestone of his own. After a season of intense competition, Norris edged out his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen to claim his maiden Formula One Drivers' Championship. The triumph was the culmination of a breakout year that saw the British driver demonstrate poise, speed, and strategic acumen beyond his years.
For his meteoric rise, Norris was awarded 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 by the acknowledgment. He emphasized that his championship was far from a solo effort, crediting the entire McLaren team, which was also nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year Award.
"Without my team, I wouldn't be where I am today," he asserted. Norris expressed hope that his success would 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 Laureas is a reminder of everything that went into our win last season, and everything still to come." The evening also celebrated achievements in tennis and tennis. Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a dazzling 2025 campaign that saw him reclaim the world No.
1 ranking and capture two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and US Open. His aggressive baseline play, mental resilience, and ability to dominate on multiple surfaces cemented his status as the sport’s new standard-bearer.
On the women’s side, Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka joined an elite cadre of tennis legends by winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Sabalenka’s powerful serve-and‑forehand game propelled her to multiple titles throughout the season, and her victory places her alongside former recipients such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka. Beyond the individual accolades, the Laureus ceremony highlighted the unifying power of sport. Each awardee spoke about perseverance, teamwork, and the broader impact their achievements have on fans worldwide.
The event reinforced the founding principle articulated by Nelson Mandela: sport can indeed change the world, offering hope, inspiration, and a shared language that transcends borders. The night concluded with a reminder to viewers about upcoming golf coverage, including the PGA Tour schedule for 2026, streaming options without contracts, and the timing of live golf on Sky Sports.
Listeners were also encouraged to tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for in‑depth analysis and to use Chrome for the best video experience. In summary, the Laureus World Sport Awards provided a platform to celebrate the triumphs of McIlroy, Norris, Alcaraz, Sabalenka and many others, acknowledging not only their personal victories but also the collective spirit that drives sport forward. The ceremony served as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and transformative power that athletes bring to the global stage.