McIlroy and Norris Win Laureus Awards as Alcaraz and Sabalenka Take Top Honors
Rory McIlroy earned Laureus’ Comeback of the Year after completing a career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, while Lando Norris captured the Breakthrough award for his first F1 title. Other winners include Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.
Core summary
Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris were among the biggest names honored at Monday’s Laureus World Sport Awards in New York. McIlroy capped a dramatic season by completing his career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, earning the Comeback of the Year trophy, while Norris clinched the Breakthrough of the Year award after securing his first Formula One Drivers’ Championship. The night also saw tennis prodigies Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claim the sportsperson honors.
Why it matters
The Laureus ceremony spotlights stories that transcend individual victories – perseverance, breakthrough performance and the global impact of sport. McIlroy’s comeback underscores how a single major can rewrite a legacy, while Norris’s rapid rise signals a generational shift in F1. Recognising athletes across golf, motorsport and tennis reinforces the award’s role as a barometer of sporting excellence and inspiration.
The details
- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year – Carlos Alcaraz (French Open & US Open titles, reclaimed World No. 1).
- Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year – Aryna Sabalenka (two Grand Slam finals, re‑entered the top‑5).
- Laureus World Comeback of the Year – Rory McIlroy (career Grand Slam, Masters victory after an 11‑year major drought).
- Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year – Lando Norris (first F1 Drivers’ Championship, beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri).
- Laureus World Team of the Year – Paris Saint‑Germain (Champions League success).
- Additional honors went to Gabriel Araújo (Disability), Chloe Kim (Action Sport), Lamine Yamal (Young Sportsperson), Toni Kroos (Inspiration), Nadia Comăneci (Lifetime Achievement) and Futbol Más (Sport for Good).
What's next
McIlroy will look to defend his Masters crown and chase a fourth major, while Norris heads into 2026 with a title‑defending agenda and a team hungry for another championship. In tennis, Alcaraz aims to add Wimbledon to his résumé and Sabalenka targets a career Grand Slam. The Laureus spotlight not only celebrates past triumphs but also sets a narrative of ambition for the seasons ahead.
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