Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 Winners
The Laureus World Sports Awards are often called the “Oscars of Sport.” In 2025, this prestigious event marked its 25th anniversary with a glamorous ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on April 21, 2025. Sports legends gathered to honor the greatest achievements from the previous year, highlighting standout performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
The awards celebrate individual brilliance, team success, comebacks, and the positive impact of sport. Voted by the Laureus World Sports Academy — a panel of 69 legendary athletes — these honors carry immense weight in the sporting world. The Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners showcased resilience, innovation, and inspiration across various disciplines.
Overview of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Held in Madrid’s iconic Palacio de Cibeles, the 2025 ceremony brought together stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Usain Bolt. The event recognized extraordinary feats from 2024, a year dominated by the Paris Olympics.
Paris 2024 champions claimed several top prizes, underscoring the Games’ lasting impact. Special recognition went to retiring legends, adding emotional moments to the night. The Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners reflected diversity, from gymnastics and pole vault to football and surfing.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 Winners: Complete List
Here are the 2025 winners:
- World Sportsman of the Year: Armand “Mondo” Duplantis (Sweden, Pole Vault)
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics)
- World Team of the Year: Real Madrid (Spain, Football)
- World Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Spain, Football)
- World Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade (Brazil, Gymnastics)
- World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Jiang Yuyan (China, Para Swimming)
- World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Tom Pidcock (Great Britain, Mountain Bike Cycling)
- Sport for Good Award: Kick4Life (Lesotho-based organization)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelly Slater (USA, Surfing)
- Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal (Spain, Tennis)
This lineup of Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners highlights the breadth of global sport.
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2025: Mondo Duplantis
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis dominated pole vaulting in 2024. The Swedish-American athlete won Olympic gold in Paris, breaking his own world record for the ninth time. He also secured his second World Indoor Championship title.
Duplantis became only the second track-and-field athlete, after Usain Bolt, to win this award. Presented by Novak Djokovic, he beat nominees like Carlos Alcaraz, Léon Marchand, Tadej Pogačar, and Max Verstappen.
In his speech, Duplantis said the Laureus statuette ranks among the highest honors, voted by peers who understand true dedication. His consistent excellence and record-breaking jumps made him a clear choice among the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
Simone Biles: Record-Tying Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Simone Biles delivered a stunning return at Paris 2024, claiming three gold medals and one silver. The American gymnast overcame past challenges to reaffirm her status as the greatest of all time.
Her fourth Laureus win tied Serena Williams’ record. Biles edged out strong contenders like Aryna Sabalenka, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Aitana Bonmatí.
Biles shared inspiring moments with fellow gymnast Rebeca Andrade, emphasizing camaraderie in competition. Her resilience and dominance solidified her place among the top Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
Rising Stars: Breakthrough and Comeback Winners
At just 17, Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal exploded onto the scene. He helped Spain win the European Championship, becoming the youngest goalscorer and player in Euros history.
Playing for Barcelona and Spain, Yamal’s skill and maturity earned him this award. He represents the exciting future of football among the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
Rebeca Andrade’s Inspiring Comeback
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade overcame multiple injuries to shine at Paris 2024, winning multiple medals. Her powerful performances and grace under pressure made her a standout.
Andrade highlighted how she and Biles inspire those facing setbacks. Her story of perseverance defines one of the most emotional Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
Team Excellence and Inclusive Honors
Real Madrid took World Team of the Year after another dominant football season. Their consistency and star power secured the trophy, presented amid cheers in Madrid.
Chinese Para swimmer Jiang Yuyan won Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability for her remarkable Paralympic performances. British cyclist Tom Pidcock earned Action Sportsperson of the Year by defending his Olympic mountain bike gold despite a puncture.
The Sport for Good Award went to Kick4Life, an organization using football to combat HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, showing sport’s power for social change.
Special Recognition: Legends Honored
Rafael Nadal Receives Sporting Icon Award
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal earned the Sporting Icon Award in his retirement year. The 22-time Grand Slam champion received a standing ovation in his home country.
Nadal reflected on how sport gave him everything and his desire to give back. As one of the most celebrated Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners, his legacy endures.
Kelly Slater’s Lifetime Achievement
Surfing icon Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His innovative career and environmental advocacy made him a fitting recipient.
Ceremony Highlights and Lasting Impact
The Madrid event featured tributes from Usain Bolt to Duplantis and emotional speeches throughout. Stars like Djokovic and Alcaraz added glamour to the red carpet.
The 25th anniversary emphasized Laureus’ mission: using sport to change lives. Through its foundation, Laureus supports programs worldwide, aligning with the inspirational stories of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners.
These awards remind us why sport captivates billions. From record-breakers to comeback kings and queens, the 2025 honorees embody dedication, courage, and joy.
FAQs
When and where were the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 held?
The ceremony took place on April 21, 2025, in Madrid, Spain.
Who votes for the Laureus World Sports Awards winners?
The Laureus World Sports Academy, consisting of 69 sporting legends, selects most winners.
How many times has Simone Biles won a Laureus Award?
Biles secured her fourth World Sportswoman of the Year award in 2025, tying Serena Williams’ record.
What makes the Laureus Awards special?
They are voted by peers and celebrate both achievement and sport’s positive influence.
Who were the top contenders for Sportsman of the Year 2025?
Nominees included Carlos Alcaraz, Léon Marchand, Tadej Pogačar, and Max Verstappen, but Mondo Duplantis won.
Conclusion: A Night of Inspiration
The Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 winners captured the essence of what makes sport extraordinary. From Duplantis soaring to new heights to Biles’ triumphant return, and Nadal’s iconic farewell, the event honored unforgettable moments.
These athletes and teams inspire the next generation while reminding us of sport’s unifying power. The Madrid ceremony will be remembered as a fitting tribute to 25 years of excellence.
Which of the Laureus World Sports Awards winners inspired you most? Dive deeper into their stories and stay tuned for more groundbreaking achievements in sport! Share your thoughts and keep celebrating the spirit of competition.
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