The 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Madrid was a grand celebration of resilience, dominance, and iconic legacies, as the world’s top athletes were honoured for their incredible achievements over the past year.
Duplantis Grabs Long-Awaited Sportsman Crown
After three years of near misses, Mondo Duplantis has finally won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year title. Considered by many to be the finest pole vaulter in history, the 25-year-old Swede-American had an exceptional 2024 season - his second World Indoor Championship gold, breaking his own world record for the ninth time, and winning Olympic gold in Paris. Joining Usain Bolt as only the second track-and-field star to win the award, Duplantis expressed his gratitude:
“I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureu
“I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in the sporting capital of Madrid and to have the great Usain Bolt pay tribute to me...”
He edged out top contenders like Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis), Léon Marchand (Swimming), Tadej Pogačar (Cycling), and Max Verstappen (Formula 1).
Biles Equals Serena’s Laureus Record
Simone Biles added another jewel to her legacy by earning her fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, equalling tennis legend Serena Williams. Her triumphant return at the Paris Olympics, where she won three golds and a silver, reminded the world of her unmatched brilliance.
"I'm so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award," Biles shared.
She edged out nominees including Aitana Bonmatí, Sifan Hassan, Faith Kipyegon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Aryna Sabalenka.
Andrade’s Inspiring Comeback Recognized
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade was honoured with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award for overcoming three ACL injuries to strike gold in floor exercise at the Olympics.
“This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness,” said Andrade.
She was chosen over Rishabh Pant, Caeleb Dressel, Lara Gut-Behrami, Marc Márquez, and Ariarne Titmus.
Real Madrid and Nadal Steal Spotlight
Real Madrid was named World Team of the Year after a glittering season that included a 36th La Liga title, a 15th UEFA Champions League, wins in the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti became the most decorated manager in club history.
Meanwhile, tennis great Rafael Nadal was presented the Laureus Sporting Icon Award in a year he bid farewell to professional tennis.
"Back in 2006 I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in Barcelona... Tennis and sports in general has given me so much..."
Full List of Laureus Winners 2025
- World Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles
- World Team of the Year: Real Madrid
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal
- Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade
- Sportsperson with a Disability: Jiang Yuyan
- Action Sportsperson of the Year: Tom Pidcock
- Sport for Good Award: Kick4Life
- Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelly Slater