Rory McIlroy and rising Formula One star Lando Norris were among the athletes honoured on a glittering evening at the prestigious Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday. The ceremony, which celebrates the very best in global sport, recognised McIlroy for his remarkable comeback and Norris for his breakthrough performance, alongside a host of other champions from a variety of disciplines.
McIlroy’s moment came after he finally completed the elusive career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters Tournament, held at the historic Augusta National Golf Club. The Northern Irish golfer’s victory marked his first major win in eleven years, a gap that had seen fans and pundits alike wonder if he could ever capture the green jacket again. By clinching the Masters title, McIlroy not only secured his place in the exclusive club of players who have won each of the four majors at least once, but also earned the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
In his acceptance speech he reflected on the significance of the honour, saying, "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 added that the Masters triumph would remain a defining memory, "a moment I’ll carry with me forever." He went on to describe the emotional weight of finally achieving the career Grand Slam, noting that the journey had been punctuated by near‑misses, injuries and periods of self‑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." McIlroy also paid tribute to his fellow nominees, acknowledging the inspirational stories that surrounded the category.
He concluded by highlighting the broader mission of the Laureus movement, referencing its founder Johann Rupert and the late Nelson Mandela’s belief that sport can change the world. The night also celebrated Lando Norris, the 26‑year‑old British driver who captured his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in a dramatic showdown with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four‑time champion Max Verstappen. Norris’s title win, achieved after a season of consistent podium finishes and a clutch performance in the final races, earned him the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
In his remarks to the Laureus Academy, Norris expressed humility and gratitude: "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." He emphasized that his success was a collective effort, noting that his team, which was also nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year Award, played an essential role in his championship run.
Norris also spoke about the legacy he hopes to leave, drawing parallels with other laureates such as Lewis Hamilton and Jude Bellingham. "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 said. In the individual categories, Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a spectacular 2025 campaign. Alcaraz reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking by season’s end and secured two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open, showcasing a blend of power, finesse and mental toughness that belied his youth.
His triumph placed him among the sport’s elite and underscored his rapid ascent to the very top of men’s tennis. On the women’s side, Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Sabalenka’s 2025 season was highlighted by dominant performances on both hard and clay courts, culminating in a Grand Slam victory and a return to the world No. 1 spot.
Her award joins the ranks of past laureates such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka, cementing her status as one of the modern greats of the game. The Laureus ceremony, held in New York, also featured a range of ancillary content for sports fans, including announcements about the PGA Tour schedule for 2026, streaming options for golf fans without a contract, and reminders to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience. Additionally, the event highlighted various promotional offers, such as discounted bookings at over 1,700 golf courses across the UK and Ireland, and encouraged listeners to tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for deeper analysis of the sport.
Overall, the evening served as a powerful reminder of sport’s capacity to inspire, unite and transform. From McIlroy’s long‑awaited redemption to Norris’s meteoric rise, and from Alcaraz’s youthful dominance to Sabalenka’s relentless pursuit of excellence, each winner embodied the Laureus ideals of perseverance, talent and the belief that sport can indeed change the world.