Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris headlined the winners at the prestigious Laureus World Sport Awards, celebrating their remarkable achievements in 2025. McIlroy claimed the Comeback of the Year Award after completing his long-awaited career Grand Slam by winning The Masters, 11 years after his last major victory. The Northern Irishman described the achievement as "incredibly emotional" after years of near misses.

The 26-year-old McLaren driver Norris took home the Breakthrough of the Year Award following his maiden Formula One drivers' championship title. Norris triumphed in a thrilling battle against teammate Oscar Piastri and four-time champion Max Verstappen. "Winning the world championship is something I dreamed about since I was young," Norris said, dedicating the award to his team's collective effort.

Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka also shone at the ceremony, with Alcaraz named World Sportsman of the Year after regaining the World No 1 spot and winning two Grand Slam titles. Sabalenka joined an elite list of tennis players to receive the Sportswoman of the Year Award, which includes Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. The awards, founded by Johann Rupert, continue Nelson Mandela's vision that sport has the power to change the world.