- Simone Biles and Mondo Duplantis win top athlete honours after stellar Olympic performances.
- Real Madrid named World Team of the Year after a trophy-laden season.
- Rebeca Andrade and Lamine Yamal among breakthrough and comeback award winners.
Simone Biles was crowned Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for a record-tying fourth time. This followed her stunning return to gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, where she claimed three golds and a silver.
Mondo Duplantis, after years of nominations, finally claimed the Sportsman of the Year award. His 2024 season included an Olympic gold and two world records, further cementing his legacy in pole vaulting.
Laureus 2025 Celebrates Excellence, Comebacks, and Rising Stars
Real Madrid took home the World Team of the Year honour after one of their most successful seasons ever. They captured the La Liga title, UEFA Champions League, and several other major trophies. Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership was central, making him the most decorated coach in the club’s storied history.
Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade was awarded the Comeback of the Year for her resilience in returning to competition after multiple ACL injuries. Her victory in the floor exercise at Paris symbolized her perseverance and passion for the sport. She triumphed over a field that included swimmer Caeleb Dressel and cricketer Rishabh Pant.
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal was named Breakthrough of the Year. He became the youngest footballer to score and appear in a European Championship final. His meteoric rise was capped by being named the tournament’s Best Young Player. This set him up as one of the brightest talents in world football.
Other key winners included Jiang Yuyan, who dominated Paralympic swimming with seven golds, and Tom Pidcock, who captured Olympic gold in mountain biking under dramatic circumstances. Rafael Nadal received the Sporting Icon Award. Surfing legend Kelly Slater was honoured for lifetime achievement.
The 2025 Laureus Awards highlighted not just athletic dominance. It also highlighted stories of resilience, inspiration, and rising talent, affirming sport’s unmatched power to unite and uplift.
“This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness.” – Rebeca Andrade
