The Laureus Awards lit up the red carpet in Madrid on Monday as Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, respectively. Both were celebrated for their outstanding 2025 seasons, where they dominated the women’s and men’s tennis rankings.

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 22, reclaimed the world number one spot after an incredible year. He won two Grand Slam titles, at the French Open and the U.S. Open, solidifying his position as the best player on all surfaces.

Meanwhile, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, 27, joined Alcaraz in the winner's circle, claiming her second major title in New York. She also reached the finals at the Australian Open and French Open, showcasing her unwavering consistency throughout the year.

Sabalenka’s achievement places her among tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, and Naomi Osaka, all previous recipients of the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award.

For the first time in Laureus history, the award ceremony was co-hosted by two athletes — former Laureus winners Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. Last year’s top honors went to gymnast Simone Biles and pole-vaulter Mondo Duplantis.

McIlroy’s Historic Comeback

Rory McIlroy claimed the World Comeback of the Year Award after ending an 11-year wait to secure his career Grand Slam, capturing the 2025 Masters title in a thrilling playoff. McIlroy successfully defended his title in 2026, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Other Laureus Winners

Formula One’s Lando Norris was honored with the World Breakthrough of the Year Award, while Paris Saint-Germain took home the World Team of the Year Award after a trophy-laden 2025 season that saw them win the French league, French Cup, and their first-ever Champions League crown.

The Laureus World Sports Awards nominees are selected by global media outlets, with the winners chosen by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Full List of Winners:

World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz

World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka

World Team of the Year Award: Paris Saint-Germain

World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris

World Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy

World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araujo

World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim

World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal

Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos

Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comaneci

Laureus Sport for Good Award: Futbol Mas

-Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne/Reuters