Rory McIlroy and British Formula One rookie Lando Norris were among the athletes who took home trophies on a glittering evening at the renowned Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, held in New York, honoured individuals and teams whose performances have defined the past year across a range of disciplines. McIlroy’s accolade was the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award, a fitting tribute after the Northern Irish golfer completed a long‑awaited career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters.
Eleven years after his previous major victory, McIlroy finally added the iconic green jacket at Augusta National to his résumé, sealing a personal mission that had seemed just out of reach for over a decade. In his acceptance speech he reflected on the significance of receiving a second Laureus prize, noting, "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 emotional weight of the Masters win, calling it a moment he will "carry with me forever" and emphasizing how the award validated the years of near‑misses, injuries and doubts that preceded his triumph.
McIlroy also paid tribute to his fellow nominees, saying that their stories had been a source of inspiration throughout his own journey. He mentioned the award’s founder, Johann Rupert, whom he has had the privilege of meeting, and reiterated his belief in the Laureus mission: sport as a catalyst for positive change, echoing Nelson Mandela’s famous assertion that "sport has the power to change the world." The evening also shone a spotlight on Lando Norris, who was crowned the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year winner after an electrifying 2025 Formula One season.
Norris clinched his first drivers’ championship in a dramatic showdown that saw him out‑pace teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen. At just 26, the Briton’s meteoric rise was highlighted by his poise under pressure, his consistent pace across a variety of circuits, and the seamless collaboration with a team that also earned a nomination for the Laureus Team of the Year Award. In his remarks, Norris expressed gratitude to the Laureus Academy, stating, "It’s an honour to be recognised by many legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers." He recalled dreaming of a world title from a young age and described the 2025 championship as "pretty special," underscoring that his success was far from a solo effort.
He highlighted the collective work of engineers, strategists and pit‑crew members, and pointed to the award as a reminder of the dedication that powered their victory and the ambition that still lies ahead. Norris also mentioned joining an elite list that includes Lewis Hamilton and Jude Bellingham, hoping his story will encourage the next generation of drivers. Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was another headline name, securing the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year trophy after a season that saw him reclaim the world No.
1 ranking and capture two Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and the US Open. Alcaraz’s rise from teenage sensation to the sport’s premier figure was marked by his relentless baseline aggression, tactical maturity beyond his years, and an ability to dominate on multiple surfaces.
On the women’s side, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka was honoured with the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Her achievement places her among a distinguished lineage that includes Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka’s powerful serve, ferocious groundstrokes and mental resilience propelled her to multiple titles throughout the year, cementing her status as one of the most formidable competitors on the WTA Tour.
The ceremony also featured a range of ancillary content for sports fans, such as a preview of the PGA Tour 2026 schedule, streaming options without a contract, and information on when golf will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Listeners were invited to tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, and a reminder was issued to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Beyond the awards themselves, the event reinforced Laureus’s broader mission to harness sport for social good.
Each winner’s story illustrated how perseverance, teamwork and a commitment to excellence can transcend the playing field, inspiring communities worldwide. As the night concluded, the atmosphere was charged with optimism, with athletes and organisers alike looking forward to the challenges and triumphs that the next sporting year will bring.