Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 rookie Lando Norris were among the athletes who took home awards on a glittering evening at the renowned Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, gathered sport’s biggest names to recognise extraordinary achievements across a variety of disciplines, and both McIlroy and Norris left the stage with prestigious trophies that highlight the high points of their respective seasons. McIlroy’s moment was especially historic. The Northern Irish golfer finally completed the elusive career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters at Augusta National, a triumph that arrived 11 years after his previous major victory.
By winning the green jacket for the second time, McIlroy not only secured his place among the elite few who have captured all four majors in their career, but he also earned the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. In his acceptance speech he reflected on the significance of the honor: “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.” He went on to describe the personal weight of the Masters win, noting that it was a moment he would carry with him forever and that having the entire year acknowledged by Laureus added a special layer of meaning. He also spoke candidly about the emotional journey that led to the Grand Slam.
“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 took the opportunity to congratulate his fellow nominees, praising the inspiring stories that were part of the same category.
He also mentioned his personal connection to the Laureus foundation, noting that it was founded by Johann Rupert, a figure he knows personally, which made the accolade feel even more significant. Finally, he echoed Nelson Mandela’s belief that sport can change the world, underscoring his belief in Laureus’s mission. The awards night also highlighted a breakthrough performance in motor racing.
Lando Norris, the 26‑year‑old Briton, clinched his first Formula One Drivers’ Championship after a dramatic showdown with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen. Norris’s season, marked by consistent podium finishes and a clutch victory in the final race, earned him the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. In his remarks, Norris thanked the Laureus Academy for the recognition, saying, “It’s an honour to be recognised by many legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers.” He emphasized that his championship win was a collective effort, noting that his team, which was also nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year Award, played a crucial role in his success. Norris also reflected on the broader impact of his achievement.
“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.” His words captured the sense of responsibility that comes with being a role model for the next generation of racers. The evening’s headline award, Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, went to Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular: he reclaimed the world No 1 ranking by year’s end and captured two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open. His relentless baseline play, mental toughness, and ability to dominate on both clay and hard courts cemented his status as the sport’s leading figure.
In the women’s category, Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka was honoured with the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Sabalenka’s rise over the past season has been meteoric; she added multiple WTA titles to her résumé, displayed a ferocious serve and forehand, and consistently challenged the very best. By joining the ranks of past laureates such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka, Sabalenka now stands among an elite cadre of tennis legends.
Beyond the individual accolades, the ceremony also underscored Laureus’s broader mission of using sport as a catalyst for social change. Throughout the night, organizers highlighted the foundation’s charitable work, which channels proceeds from the awards into programs that promote education, health, and community development for children worldwide.
The presence of athletes from diverse backgrounds—golf, tennis, motor racing, and beyond—reinforced the message that sport transcends borders and can unite people around common values. The event also featured several promotional segments, including reminders to stream PGA Tour events without a contract, information about Sky Sports Golf programming, and a call to use Chrome for the best video playback experience. While these inserts were brief, they reflected the modern sports media landscape where digital platforms and traditional broadcasters intersect. In summary, the Laureus World Sport Awards celebrated a year of remarkable comebacks, breakthrough performances, and sustained excellence.
Rory McIlroy’s triumphant return to the pinnacle of golf, Lando Norris’s historic first Formula One title, Carlos Alcaraz’s domination of tennis, and Aryna Sabalenka’s ascent to the top of the women’s game were all highlighted as exemplars of dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of sport. The ceremony not only honoured these athletes but also reinforced Laureus’s enduring belief that sport can inspire, uplift, and ultimately change the world.