Laureus World Sports Awards 2025: Simone Biles, Duplantis, Real Madrid Shine

Laureus World Sports Awards 2025: A Night That Redefined Greatness in Global Sport

The 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid wasn’t just another awards ceremony. It was a moment in sporting history where records were celebrated, legacies honored, and the emotional power of sport took center stage. With the world watching, icons like Simone Biles, Mondo Duplantis, and Rafael Nadal reminded us why sport continues to inspire across generations.

Simone Biles: Reclaiming Her Throne

Simone Biles' name now sits alongside Serena Williams for the most Laureus Sportswoman of the Year awards – four apiece. But this one was more than a number. This was the award that symbolized Biles' redemption. A year after winning Comeback of the Year, she claimed triple gold and one silver in Paris, showing the world that her time off had only sharpened her brilliance. She stood not just as a gymnast, but as a symbol of courage, grace, and unmatched excellence.

Mondo Duplantis: Defining Airborne Perfection

For the fourth time, he was nominated. This year, Mondo Duplantis finally clinched the title of Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular: back-to-back world records, another Olympic gold, and performances that redefined the limits of pole vaulting. As he received his award from Novak Djokovic, Duplantis took his place in the pantheon of greats like Bolt and Nadal, proving that persistence and perfection do intersect.

Real Madrid: A Team Built for Glory

Real Madrid was honored as the Laureus Team of the Year, following a season where they swept through La Liga, the Champions League, and dominated the Supercopa. This award wasn’t just about titles. It was about culture, resilience, and a winning machine that just doesn’t slow down. Led by Carlo Ancelotti, who became the most decorated manager in Madrid’s history, the team’s success spoke to an enduring legacy.

Lamine Yamal: The Breakthrough Star of a New Era

At just 17, Lamine Yamal already has the world at his feet. Winning the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award, he became only the second footballer to do so after Jude Bellingham. His heroics at Euro 2024, where he became the youngest goalscorer and featured in the final, earned him global acclaim. He isn’t just Barcelona’s next big thing – he’s already Spain’s future.

Comeback Queen: Rebeca Andrade

Few stories resonated as deeply as Rebeca Andrade’s. Her journey back from three ACL injuries to claim Olympic gold was honored with the Laureus Comeback of the Year. Her crowning moment came when Simone Biles herself bowed to her on the podium – a visual tribute to the respect shared between two of gymnastics’ greatest.

Rising Above: Jiang Yuyan and Tom Pidcock

Jiang Yuyan lit up the Paralympics with seven golds in seven events. At 19, she was recognized as Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, standing tall as an inspiration for athletes around the world. Tom Pidcock, meanwhile, won the Action Sportsperson of the Year after pulling off one of the most electrifying mountain bike golds in Olympic history, overcoming a mechanical setback to surge to victory.

Lifetime Legacies: Nadal and Slater

Two legends were honored with discretionary awards. Rafael Nadal received the Sporting Icon award, adding another piece to his unmatched Laureus resume. Kelly Slater, the surfing GOAT, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for a career that redefined action sports.

Sport for Good: Kick4Life’s Global Impact

As always, the Laureus Awards went beyond the glitz. The Sport for Good Award went to Kick4Life, a Lesotho-based NGO using football to empower youth through health education, life skills, and gender rights. Their impact is a reminder that sport changes lives far beyond medals and trophies.

Final Word: 25 Years and Still Inspiring

From Monaco to Madrid, 25 years of the Laureus World Sports Awards have honored not just champions, but changemakers. This year, the statuettes told stories of grit, glory, and the unbreakable human spirit. And as the world watched the likes of Biles, Duplantis, and Yamal take the stage, one thing became clear: sport isn’t just about records. It’s about rewriting them – with heart.