MADRID — Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday, although Paris Saint-Germain received the Team of the Year honor for its historic 2025 Champions League triumph.
The awards ceremony, hosted by tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skier Eileen Gu, took place in the Spanish capital and recognized outstanding athletic achievements from the 2025 season. Alcaraz capped a remarkable year by winning the French Open, US Open, and Australian Open titles, securing three of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Sabalenka, who finished 2025 as the WTA world No. 1, claimed her second consecutive US Open victory to earn the Sportswoman accolade.
Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the 2025 UEFA Champions League marked the club’s first European crown in its history, breaking through after years of near-misses. The Paris-based team was honored as the Laureus World Team of the Year, capping a season in which they swept domestic competitions and conquered Europe’s premier club tournament.
Barcelona and Spain prodigy Lamine Yamal, at just 18 years vintage, won the Young Sportsperson of the Year award following a breakout season with both club, and country. The teenage winger played a pivotal role in Spain’s international campaigns and became a regular starter for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, showcasing maturity beyond his years in high-pressure matches.
Other notable winners included Formula One champion Lando Norris, who received the World Breakthrough of the Year award after his maiden Grand Prix victory and consistent performances throughout the 2025 season. Rory McIlroy was honored with the Comeback of the Year prize for successfully defending his Masters title in April 2026, cementing his legacy as one of golf’s greatest competitors.
German soccer icon Toni Kroos, who retired after the 2025 season, was presented with the World Sporting Inspiration Award in recognition of his illustrious career with Real Madrid and the German national team. The lifetime achievement prize went to gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci, whose perfect 10 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics redefined excellence in the sport.
The World Action Sportsperson Award was claimed by American snowboarder Chloe Kim, continuing her dominance in halfpipe competition following her Olympic success. Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Araújo was named World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability after a stellar season in para-swimming events.
As Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, I’ve covered numerous award ceremonies across the sporting world, but few carry the weight and global resonance of the Laureus Awards. What distinguishes this honor is its unique voting process — conducted by an esteemed panel of the world’s greatest living athletes — ensuring that recognition comes from peers who truly understand the magnitude of athletic excellence.
For Alcaraz, the accolade arrives at a pivotal moment in his career. Having already won three Grand Slam titles before turning 22, he joins an elite cadre of tennis players who have dominated the sport in their teenage years. His ability to win on all surfaces — clay at Roland Garros, hard courts in Novel York and Melbourne — underscores a versatility that few in tennis history have matched at such a young age.
Sabalenka’s repeat victory at Flushing Meadows solidified her status as the premier hard-court player in women’s tennis. Her powerful baseline game and mental resilience were on full display throughout the 2025 hard-court swing, culminating in a US Open title defense that few predicted after her surprising early-exit at Wimbledon.
PSG’s Champions League victory represented more than just a trophy; it symbolized the culmination of a decade-long project backed by Qatari investment. The Parisian club finally overcame its historical obstacles in Europe’s most prestigious competition, defeating some of the continent’s traditional powerhouses en route to the final. This breakthrough validates the strategic vision that has transformed PSG into a global football brand.
Yamal’s recognition highlights the emergence of a generational talent in world football. Despite his youth, he has already demonstrated an advanced understanding of spatial awareness, passing precision, and dribbling efficiency that belies his age. His ability to perform consistently in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and international fixtures suggests a trajectory that could see him challenge for Ballon d’Or honors in the coming years.
The presence of legends like Djokovic and Gu as hosts connected the ceremony to the broader narrative of athletic transcendence across generations. Djokovic, himself a multiple-time Laureus winner, brought credibility and gravitas to the proceedings, while Gu’s inclusion reflected the awards’ commitment to recognizing excellence across all Olympic disciplines, including newer action sports.
Looking ahead, these award winners face different trajectories in their respective sports. Alcaraz will aim to complete the career Grand Slam at Wimbledon later this year, a feat that would place him among an even more exclusive group in tennis history. Sabalenka seeks to add the Australian Open to her Grand Slam collection, having fallen short in Melbourne earlier this year despite her hard-court dominance.
PSG, now holders of the Champions League trophy, will defend their European crown while pursuing continued domestic dominance in Ligue 1. The challenge of maintaining peak performance across multiple competitions will test the depth and resilience of Luis Enrique’s squad.
For Yamal, the immediate future involves balancing his club responsibilities with international duties as Spain prepares for upcoming tournaments. Managing the physical and mental demands of stardom at such a young age will be crucial to sustaining his rapid ascent.
As the global sports calendar progresses toward summer championships and Olympic qualifiers, the stories of these Laureus honorees will continue to unfold. Their recognition in Madrid serves not just as an endpoint for the 2025 season but as a milestone in ongoing journeys that captivate fans worldwide.
What’s next for these athletes? Alcaraz prepares for the clay-court season ahead of his French Open defense, Sabalenka begins her grass-court swing in pursuit of Wimbledon success, PSG readies for its Ligue 1 campaign kickoff, and Yamal continues his development with Barcelona and Spain. Stay tuned to Archysport for ongoing coverage of their pursuits.
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