The Laureus World Sports Awards 2025, often dubbed the `Oscars of Sports,` celebrated its winners in Madrid for the second consecutive year at the historic Palacio de Cibeles. Mondo Duplantis, Simone Biles, Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal, and Rebeca Andrade emerged as the top honorees.
Mondo Duplantis, the preeminent pole vaulter of his era, secured the prestigious Laureus Award for `Sportsman of the Year` after his fourth nomination. In track and field, only Usain Bolt, with four wins, has previously achieved this honor.
Receiving the award from last year`s winner Novak Djokovic, the Swedish champion expressed his gratitude: `Winning my first Laureus Award is an incredible honor. These awards are the pinnacle for athletes, and my fourth nomination underscores how challenging it is to win, perhaps even more so than an Olympic gold medal. It`s humbling to be recognized by the Laureus Academy alongside legends like Djokovic, Bolt, Nadal, and Messi. The Laureus Awards transcend mere sports titles, thanks to the 69 Academy members whose deep understanding of athletic dedication elevates this recognition. It`s truly special to have my commitment and achievements acknowledged by them. I also want to highlight Laureus`s vital mission: using sport as a catalyst for global change through Laureus Sport for Good.`
Gymnastics icons Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade, both friends and rivals, were also celebrated. Biles was named `Sportswoman of the Year` for a record-equaling fourth time, matching Serena Williams` achievement. Both Biles and Williams have also been recognized in the `Comeback of the Year` category previously.
Spanish football giants each claimed an award: Real Madrid was crowned `Team of the Year,` while Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal received the `Breakthrough of the Year` award.
Rafael Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, was honored with the `Laureus Sporting Icon` award as he approaches the end of his illustrious career. A tribute video narrated by Morgan Freeman highlighted Nadal`s achievements during the ceremony. This award completes Nadal`s `Laureus Slam,` making him the only person to win `Sportsman of the Year,` `Comeback of the Year,` `Breakthrough of the Year,` and `Laureus Sport for Good` awards.
The `Laureus Sport for Good` award went to Kick4Life, a football-based project in Lesotho. The Italian project `Liberi Nantes` was also a finalist in this category.
Complete list of winners:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles
Laureus World Team of the Year: Real Madrid
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Jiang Yuyan
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Tom Pidcock
Laureus Sport for Good: Kick4Life
Laureus Sporting Icon: Rafael Nadal
Laureus Lifetime Achievement: Kelly Slater