Rafael Nadal, one of the most celebrated figures in tennis history, has added another illustrious honor to his name. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was awarded the Laureus Sporting Icon Award, capping off a year filled with powerful moments and the announcement of his retirement from competitive tennis.
A Fitting Tribute to a Legendary Career
The ceremony in Madrid was punctuated by a special tribute video, narrated by none other than Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman, celebrating Nadal's extraordinary journey. Featured were some of the important stops along this path in the Spaniard's bright career to remind everyone why he is still very much one of the most respected names in sport.
With this win, Nadal stretches his unique "Laureus Slam" as the only athlete in the history of the awards to take home Laureus for performing well in all four major individual categories: Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, and now, Sporting Icon. He already has his Rafa Nadal Foundation on to the win for the Sport for Good Award in 2023.
Nadal: “A Sporting Icon? That’s for Others to Decide”
Taking the stage, a visibly emotional Nadal reflected on his journey and what the award meant to him.
“The Laureus World Sports Awards are important to me. Back in 2006 I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in Barcelona, in front of sporting heroes who had inspired millions of people around the world,” Nadal recalled.
“Then last year – after twice being named Sportsman of the Year and also winning Comeback of the Year – my foundation was honoured to win the Laureus Sport for Good Award, here in Madrid.”
Nadal also shared his thoughts on retirement and the meaningful moments that defined his farewell season, including the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch in Paris.
“My retirement from competitive tennis made 2024 an emotional year for me... Tennis and sports in general has given me so much; my drive has always been to compete and try my best every time I stepped on court,” he said.
“A Sporting Icon? I think that is for other people to decide. But I hope that my career has inspired sports fans beyond tennis. I gave it everything I had.”
A Vision for the Future Beyond Tennis
Though he has stepped away from competition, Nadal emphasized his continued commitment to using sport as a tool for global good.
“As athletes, we have a unique opportunity to use our influence and inspiration to make a positive impact on the world,” Nadal said. “As I move into my next chapter, I’m going to hold on to the ideals that I share with Laureus and work with them to achieve the most important thing an athlete can do – changing the world through sport.”
Full List of 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards Winners:
- World Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis
- World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles
- Team of the Year: Real Madrid
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal
- Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade
- Sportsperson of the Year 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