Madrid is set to host the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20, bringing together the world’s most elite athletes for a night that celebrates excellence beyond the scoreboard. The nominees, announced this week by the Laureus Academy, feature two standout names at the forefront of the conversation: Swedish pole vault sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis and Spanish tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz. Both are widely regarded as favorites to win the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, a honor that recognizes not just athletic dominance but too the power of sport to inspire and unite.
The ceremony will capture place in the Galería de Cristal at the Palacio de Cibeles, a historic venue in central Madrid known for hosting major cultural and diplomatic events. This marks the second time the Spanish capital has hosted the Laureus Awards, following the 2019 ceremony. The choice of Madrid reflects the growing global footprint of the awards and Spain’s rising influence in international sport, particularly through athletes like Alcaraz and football’s continued success on the world stage.
Duplantis, 24, enters the nomination conversation after a season that redefined what’s possible in pole vaulting. In 2024, he broke the world record twice outdoors, first clearing 6.24 meters in Eugene, Oregon, then raising the bar to 6.25 meters at the Diamond League final in Brussels. He also won gold at the Paris Olympics with a commanding performance, clearing 6.00 meters on his first attempt — a height no other vaulter cleared in the competition. His consistency, technical precision, and ability to deliver under pressure have made him the most dominant field athlete in track and field today.
Alcaraz, 21, had a year that solidified his status as one of tennis’ brightest young stars. He captured his first Wimbledon title in July, defeating Novak Djokovic in a gripping final that showcased his all-court game and mental resilience. Earlier in the season, he won the French Open, becoming the youngest man to win both Roland Garros and Wimbledon since Bjorn Borg in 1980. Alcaraz finished the year ranked No. 2 in the world, behind only Jannik Sinner, and won five ATP titles overall. His explosive athleticism, shot-making creativity, and maturity beyond his years have drawn comparisons to the sport’s legends.
The Laureus Awards, established in 2000 and supported by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, aim to use sport as a tool for social change. While the awards honor athletic achievement, they also consider an athlete’s impact off the field — including philanthropy, advocacy, and role model status. Both Duplantis and Alcaraz have been active in charitable initiatives. Duplantis has supported youth athletics programs in Sweden and the U.S., while Alcaraz has worked with his academy in Murcia to promote access to tennis for underprivileged children in Spain.
On the women’s side, the race for World Sportswoman of the Year features two formidable contenders: Spanish football star Aitana Bonmatí and American swimming legend Katie Ledecky. Bonmatí, a midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, was instrumental in Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. She also won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Barcelona and was named the 2023 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner — a first for a Spanish woman. Ledecky, meanwhile, added to her already historic resume with four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, bringing her career total to nine Olympic golds — the most by any female swimmer in history. She also won multiple world championships in 2024, continuing her dominance in distance freestyle events.
The Laureus Academy, composed of 68 of the greatest athletes from across sports, selects the winners through a voting process that emphasizes both performance and character. Past winners include Lionel Messi, Simone Biles, LeBron James, and Megan Rapinoe. The awards have grown in prestige over the past two decades, becoming one of the most respected honors in global sport — not given that of monetary value, but due to the integrity of the selection process and the caliber of the athletes involved.
For Duplantis and Alcaraz, a Laureus win would represent more than just another trophy. It would affirm their status as global icons whose influence extends beyond their respective sports. Duplantis has already won the World Athlete of the Year award from World Athletics in 2022 and 2023, but the Laureus honor carries a different weight — one that recognizes breadth of impact. Alcaraz, who has yet to win a major individual award outside of tennis, would see the Laureus as a validation of his rise as a global sports figure.
The atmosphere at the Palacio de Cibeles is expected to be electric, with past ceremonies drawing standing ovations, emotional speeches, and surprise appearances from sports legends. While the exact list of presenters and performers has not been released, previous events have featured figures like Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Diego Maradona (in past years). The ceremony will be broadcast globally, with coverage in over 180 territories, allowing fans worldwide to witness the celebration.
As the countdown to April 20 begins, the focus remains on the athletes and what they represent. In an era where sports are often scrutinized for controversy, the Laureus Awards serve as a reminder of what’s possible when talent, discipline, and humility converge. Whether it’s Duplantis soaring to new heights, Alcaraz dictating play with a racket, Bonmatí orchestrating victories in midfield, or Ledecky touching the wall with another record, the nominees embody the transformative power the awards seek to honor.
The winners will be revealed live on April 20. Until then, the debate over who deserves to lift the iconic Laureus statuette will continue — fueled by admiration, respect, and the undeniable impact these athletes have had on sport and society over the past year.
Stay tuned to Archysport.com for full coverage of the Laureus World Sports Awards, including reaction, highlights, and exclusive insights from Madrid.
