Rory McIlroy and Formula One rookie Lando Norris were among the athletes who took home honors on a glittering evening at the esteemed Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, highlighted stories of perseverance, breakthrough performances and career‑defining moments across a range of sports. McIlroy capped a long‑awaited career Grand Slam in 2025, eleven years after his previous major triumph, by winning The Masters at Augusta National. The victory not only secured the elusive fourth major title for the Northern Irish star, it 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. To have the sport recognised on a global stage like this, alongside so many great athletes, means a lot," McIlroy said, fresh from defending his Masters crown earlier in the month. He reflected on the emotional weight of the accomplishment: "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.
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 salute his fellow nominees, noting that many of their stories provided him with inspiration. He added a personal note about the award’s origins, saying, "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 ceremony also shone a spotlight on Lando Norris, who clinched his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship after a dramatic showdown with teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen. The 26‑year‑old’s remarkable season was honoured with 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. He emphasized the collective nature of his success, noting the crucial role of his team, which was also shortlisted for the Laureus Team of the Year Award. "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, I wouldn't be where I am today. 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." Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was crowned 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 ascent from teenage sensation to dominant force on the ATP tour underscored the award’s focus on athletes who combine talent with relentless work ethic. In the women’s category, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka joined an exclusive roster of tennis greats by receiving the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.
Sabalenka’s triumph places her alongside legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka, reflecting her rapid rise to the top of the sport and her consistent performance in major tournaments. The Laureus ceremony, beyond celebrating individual brilliance, also highlighted the broader mission of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport as a catalyst for social change.
The awards serve as a reminder that athletic achievement can inspire communities, promote health, and foster unity across cultural and economic divides. In addition to the main accolades, the event featured a series of ancillary segments, including a preview of the PGA Tour 2026 schedule and promotional material encouraging fans to stream the tour without a contract.
Viewers were reminded to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, a technical note that appeared multiple times throughout the broadcast. Overall, the night underscored the power of sport to create unforgettable narratives, celebrate perseverance, and bring together athletes from disparate disciplines under a shared banner of excellence. The Laureus World Sport Awards continue to be a benchmark for recognizing those who not only excel in competition but also embody the spirit of resilience, innovation and global impact that sport can deliver.