Tennis Stars Shine Bright at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid
On Monday evening in Madrid, the spotlight was firmly on tennis as Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were honoured as the Laureus Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, respectively. Their exceptional performances throughout 2025 earned them these prestigious accolades, celebrating their dominance in the global tennis arena.
Alcaraz’s Remarkable Rise to the Pinnacle of Men’s Tennis
At just 22 years old, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the coveted year-end world number one ranking, solidifying his status as the leading male tennis player worldwide. His 2025 season was highlighted by triumphant victories at two Grand Slam tournaments-the French Open and the US Open-demonstrating his versatility and mastery across different court surfaces.
Sabalenka’s Consistent Excellence on the Women’s Tour
Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka, aged 27, matched Alcaraz’s success by securing the US Open title and reaching the finals at both the Australian Open and the French Open. Her unwavering consistency and resilience throughout the year culminated in her well-deserved recognition. Sabalenka’s achievement places her among an elite group of Laureus Sportswoman of the Year winners from tennis, joining legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, and Naomi Osaka.
Historic Hosting and Previous Laureus Champions
For the first time in the history of the Laureus Awards, the ceremony was co-hosted by two former Laureus recipients: Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. This marked a unique moment, blending the prestige of past winners with the celebration of current sporting excellence. The 2024 Laureus top honours were awarded to gymnast Simone Biles and pole-vaulter Mondo Duplantis, underscoring the event’s tradition of recognising outstanding athletes across disciplines.
Additional Laureus Award Highlights
Rory McIlroy’s Triumphant Comeback
Golf superstar Rory McIlroy earned the World Comeback of the Year Award after an 11-year journey to complete the career Grand Slam. His dramatic playoff victory at the 2025 Masters, which he successfully defended in 2026, marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Emerging Talents and Team Achievements
Formula One’s rising star Lando Norris was celebrated as the World Breakthrough of the Year, reflecting his rapid ascent in the motorsport world. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain was honoured as the World Team of the Year following a stellar 2025 season that included winning the French Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and capturing their inaugural UEFA Champions League title.
About the Laureus World Sports Awards
The Laureus Awards have been recognising sporting excellence annually since 2000. Nominees are selected by an international media panel, while the winners are chosen by the 69 distinguished members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, ensuring a comprehensive and respected selection process.
2025 Laureus World Sports Awards Winners
- World Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
- World Team of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- World Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris
- World Comeback of the Year: Rory McIlroy
- World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Gabriel Araujo
- World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim
- World Young Sportsperson of the Year: Lamine Yamal
- Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
- Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comaneci
- Laureus Sport for Good Award: Futbol Mas
