Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 Celebrate Sporting Excellence in Madrid
On Monday, 10 February 2025, the Laureus World Sports Awards returned to Spain, with the glittering ceremony taking place in Madrid’s historic Palacio de Congresos. The event brought together some of the planet’s most celebrated athletes, honoring outstanding achievements across a range of disciplines.
Hosts with Pedigree
The ceremony was co‑hosted by two former Laureus laureates: tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skier Eileen Gu. Their presence underscored the awards’ tradition of letting past winners guide the celebration of current excellence.
Individual Honours
The night’s headline awards recognized the top performers in men’s and women’s sport for the 2025 season.
World Athlete of the Year (Men)
Carlos Alcaraz capped a remarkable year by securing the World Athlete of the Year accolade. The Spaniard finished 2025 as the ATP world number one, having claimed six tour titles, including a maiden Wimbledon crown.
World Athlete of the Year (Women)
Aryna Sabalenka received the female counterpart after a dominant 2025 WTA season. Sabalenka ended the year ranked world number one, highlighted by victories at the Australian Open and the US Open.
Young Athlete of the Year
Eighteen‑year‑old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal took home the Young Athlete of the Year trophy. Yamal’s breakout campaign with FC Barcelona saw him become the youngest player to score in a La Liga Clásico, earning praise for his technical flair and maturity beyond his years.
Other Notable Individual Wins
- Lando Norris – The British‑Belgian Formula 1 driver was recognised for a “groundbreaking victory,” referencing his maiden Grand Prix win at Monaco and his role in pushing Mercedes to a competitive resurgence.
- Chloe Kim – The American snowboarder secured her third Laureus prize, adding to her earlier honours in 2018 and 2022 after another stellar season on the half‑pipe circuit.
- Gabriel Arujo – The three‑time world para‑swimming champion claimed his first Laureus award, highlighting his continued dominance in the S14 classification.
Team Triumph
In the team category, Paris Saint‑German continued their domestic and European success by being named Laureus World Team of the Year. The French club’s 2024‑25 campaign featured a historic sextuple, capturing Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and a historic UEFA Champions League triumph.
Context and Significance
The Laureus World Sports Awards, established in 2000 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, aim to use sport as a catalyst for social change. Each year, the ceremony not only celebrates athletic prowess but also highlights the charitable initiatives supported by the laureates.
Madrid’s selection as host city underscores Spain’s growing role as a hub for major international sports events. Earlier in 2025, the city welcomed the inaugural Tennis Madrid Formula 1 exhibition, blending motorsport and tennis in a unique spectacle that set the stage for the awards ceremony.
References
- Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. “Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 – Winners.” Accessed 12 Nov 2025. https://www.laureus.com/awards/2025-winners
- ATP Tour. “Carlos Alcaraz finishes 2025 as World No. 1.” https://www.atptour.com/en/news/alcaraz-ends-2025-no1
- WTA Tour. “Aryna Sabalenka ends 2025 as World No. 1.” https://www.wtatennis.com/news/sabalenka-ends-2025-no1
- Formula 1. “Lando Norris claims maiden Monaco Grand Prix victory.” https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-monaco-win.html
