In the world of sports, gold usually steals the show. But on April 21 in Madrid, it was silver that gleamed brightest as the stars of global athletics came together for the 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards — a night brimming with glamour, emotion, and awe-inspiring stories of triumph.

Hosted once again by alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, the ceremony turned Spain’s Palacio de Cibeles into a galaxy of sporting greatness. From Olympic legends to rising stars, the evening was a tribute to those who’ve pushed the limits of possibility over the past year.

Yamal: The Teen Phenom Breaking Boundaries

Among the night’s headline-makers was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who clinched the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The Barcelona forward didn’t just light up club football — he blazed across the international stage, becoming the youngest player to ever feature in the European Championship. Just a day after turning 17, he helped Spain lift the trophy. Already a key figure in Barça’s run to the Spanish Supercopa title, Copa del Rey final, and Champions League semifinal, Yamal’s name is echoing around the footballing world.

He beat out stiff competition for the award, with other nominees including Julien Alfred, Summer McIntosh, Letsile Tebogo, and NBA rising star Victor Wembanyama.

Real Madrid Reign Supreme

It was a double celebration for Spanish football as Real Madrid were crowned Laureus World Team of the Year. After a jaw-dropping season where they snatched their record-extending 36th La Liga title and a historic 15th Champions League trophy, Los Blancos continued their dominance by securing both the UEFA Super Cup and the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup this year.

Icons of the Olympic Stage

The biggest individual accolades of the night went to titans of the Paris 2024 Games. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, pole vault king and relentless record-breaker, was named World Sportsman of the Year. Presented by Novak Djokovic, Duplantis expressed heartfelt pride in joining an elite club of Laureus legends after defending his Olympic crown and smashing the world record for the ninth time.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, added yet another feather to her cap with the World Sportswoman of the Year award. Her Paris 2024 performances were nothing short of historic, and her continued excellence after past struggles is a testament to her unparalleled resilience.

Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who shared the stage with Biles on multiple podiums in Paris, took home the World Comeback of the Year award, celebrating her return from injury to Olympic glory.

Legends, Laurels, and Legacy

The Laureus stage also honored careers that have shaped generations. Tennis icon Rafael Nadal, who stepped away from competitive tennis in 2024, received a thunderous ovation as he accepted the Sporting Icon Award — his sixth Laureus accolade. From his Olympic torch moment in Paris to his foundation’s social impact, Nadal’s legacy now goes far beyond the baseline.

Surfing’s ageless wonder, Kelly Slater, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement honor. The 11-time world champion has transcended the sport, inspiring millions over his decades-long career.

Celebrating Courage and Change

China’s 19-year-old Para swimming sensation Jiang Yuyan — dubbed the “Flying Fish” — was named Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability after sweeping seven golds at the Paralympics, echoing Mark Spitz’s legendary Olympic feat in 1972.

Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock triumphed in the World Action Sportsperson category after a jaw-dropping Olympic mountain bike race comeback, proving that grit and tenacity are just as crucial as talent.

The evening wasn’t just about the medals — it was about the meaning behind them. The Laureus Sport for Good Award went to Kick4Life, a remarkable organization using football to educate and empower youth in Lesotho about HIV prevention.

Full List of 2025 Laureus Winners:

• World Sportsman of the Year – Mondo Duplantis
  
• World Sportswoman of the Year – Simone Biles
  
• World Team of the Year – Real Madrid
  
• World Breakthrough of the Year – Lamine Yamal
  
• World Comeback of the Year – Rebeca Andrade
  
• Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability – Jiang Yuyan
  
• World Action Sportsperson of the Year – Tom Pidcock
  
• Sport for Good Award – Kick4Life
  
• Sporting Icon Award – Rafael Nadal
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Kelly Slater