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Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy and British Formula 1 star Lando Norris were among the headline winners at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid, celebrating their remarkable achievements during the 2025 sporting year.
McIlroy was named Comeback of the Year, recognising a defining period in his career that included a dramatic Masters triumph. The 36-year-old captured his long-awaited first Masters title after defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff, completing a career Grand Slam and joining an elite group of only six men to win all four major championships. He further strengthened his legacy with another Masters victory earlier this month.
Reflecting on the honour, McIlroy said the Masters win was a career-defining moment, describing it as an achievement he will “carry forever,” while also acknowledging the years of setbacks and near misses that shaped his journey.
In Formula 1, Norris enjoyed a breakthrough season, securing his maiden World Drivers’ Championship after a tense title battle with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four-time champion Max Verstappen. His performance earned him the Breakthrough of the Year award.
The 26-year-old said winning the world title had been a childhood dream, while also crediting his team for playing a crucial role in his success throughout the season.
Elsewhere at the ceremony, Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year after a dominant season that saw him claim multiple ATP titles, including two Grand Slams, finishing the year as world number one. Aryna Sabalenka secured the Sportswoman of the Year award following another strong campaign highlighted by a second US Open crown.
In team honours, Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain claimed Team of the Year, while other nominees included England’s women’s football team after their Euro 2025 success.
The Laureus Awards once again highlighted a year of exceptional sporting performances across multiple disciplines, with McIlroy and Norris standing out as two of the night’s biggest individual winners.
