Rory McIlroy and Formula One rookie Lando Norris were highlighted as two of the standout winners during the glittering ceremony of the Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday, an event that brings together the globe's most celebrated athletes to recognize extraordinary achievement and inspirational stories. McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfing icon, finally completed the elusive career Grand Slam in 2025 when he captured The Masters title at Augusta National, a victory that arrived eleven years after his previous major triumph. In recognition of this remarkable comeback, he 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. To have the sport recognised on a global stage like this, alongside so many great athletes, means a lot," McIlroy said, reflecting on his recent Masters defence.
He added that the memory of hoisting the green jacket would stay with him forever, and that having the Laureus body acknowledge such a moment made the season feel even more special. The golfer explained that achieving the career Grand Slam was an emotional milestone, noting that the journey had been marked by near‑misses, injuries, and moments of doubt.
"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," he said. McIlroy also took the opportunity to congratulate his fellow nominees, praising the inspirational stories that surrounded the award categories. He highlighted his personal connection to the Laureus foundation, noting that it was founded by Johann Rupert, a figure he knows personally, which added an extra layer of significance. "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 concluded.
In the motor‑sport arena, 26‑year‑old Lando Norris secured his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship after a dramatic showdown with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen. Norris' 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, expressing gratitude for the accolade.
He reflected on his childhood dream of standing on the top step of the podium and how achieving that dream in 2025 felt "pretty special." Norris was quick to acknowledge that his success was not a solo effort. He praised his team, which was also nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year Award, stating that without their collective effort he would not be where he is 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," he added. The ceremony also celebrated tennis and golf stars.
Spanish teenager 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 the US Open. His rise to the top of the sport, marked by powerful baseline play and a mature mental game, resonated with the Laureus judges. On the women's side, Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka joined an elite roster of Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year recipients, becoming the latest in a line that includes legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka's dominant performances on the WTA tour, highlighted by multiple major titles and a steadfast climb to the top of the rankings, underscored her status as one of the sport's most formidable competitors.
Overall, the Laureus World Sport Awards served as a reminder of sport's capacity to inspire, unite and transform. From McIlroy's emotional Grand Slam completion to Norris' meteoric rise in Formula One, and the continued excellence of Alcaraz and Sabalenka, the night highlighted stories of perseverance, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
The event also reinforced the foundation's mission, originally championed by Johann Rupert and inspired by Nelson Mandela's belief that sport can change the world, by honoring athletes whose achievements extend beyond personal glory to inspire future generations across the globe.