Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris among the winners on star-studded night at Laureus World Sport Awards
Laureus World Sport Awards took place in Madrid on Monday – honouring the greatest athletes in the world; Rory McIlroy, Lando Norris, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Paris Saint-Germain among the winners
Monday 20 April 2026 21:25, UK
Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris were among the winners on star-studded night at the prestigious Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday.
McIlroy completed a long-awaited career Grand Slam in 2025 - 11 years after his last major win - by lifting The Masters trophy at Augusta National, and the Northern Irishman received 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," said McIlroy, who retained his Masters crown earlier this month.
"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.
"I also want to congratulate all of the nominees, especially those in my category. There are some amazing stories there, and I've taken a lot of inspiration from them.
"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."
Breakthrough award for Norris
Norris came out on top in a thrilling battle with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and four-time champion Max Verstappen to win his maiden Formula One drivers' championship title, and the 26-year-old's incredible year has been crowned 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," said Norris.
"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, who were also nominated for a Laureus Team of the Year Award, 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 to 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."
Tennis double
Carlos Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after a stellar campaign which saw the Spaniard regain the World No 1 spot at year's end and win two Grand Slam titles at the French and US Opens.
Alongside Alcaraz in the winners' circle in New York was Aryna Sabalenka, who has now joined an elite list of tennis players to have received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award which includes Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka.
The full list of winners
- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz
- Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka
- Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Paris Saint-Germain
- Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris
- Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy
- Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araújo
- Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim
- Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal
- Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
- Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci
- Laureus Sport for Good Award: Fútbol Más
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