McIlroy and Norris honoured at Laureus awards

April 20, 2026 - 19:22

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 star Lando Norris were celebrated among the world's elite athletes, receiving honors at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. Both men were recognized for their outstanding and resurgent performances throughout the 2025 season.

McIlroy, a previous winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, was honored this time with the World Comeback of the Year prize. This accolade celebrated his remarkable return to the pinnacle of golf, highlighted by a thrilling victory at The Masters which completed his career Grand Slam. His emotional triumph at Augusta National marked a powerful resurgence after a challenging period.

Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award. This recognized his sensational 2025 Formula 1 campaign, where he consistently challenged for victories and secured his long-awaited maiden Grand Prix win. His performances cemented his status as a leading championship contender, breaking through to the very top tier of the sport.

The awards underscore a year of significant personal and professional milestones for both athletes. The Laureus Awards, often described as the 'Oscars of Sport,' are voted on by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a body comprised of over 70 legendary sports figures. The ceremony in Madrid brought together a global audience to celebrate these and other extraordinary sporting achievements from the past year.