Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris found themselves in star-studded company as both picked up gongs at the 2026 Laureus Awards in Madrid.
While neither were able to attend the glamorous black tie event in Madrid, it was a momentous night for Norris, who took home the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award, while McIlroy was bestowed with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year gong following his 2025 Masters win.
‘It’s an honour to be recognised by many legendary athletes who have achieved so much in their careers,’ Norris said in his virtual acceptance speech.
‘Winning the world championship is something I dreamed about since I was young, so to win my first in 2025 is pretty special
‘It’s pretty incredible to have my name added to the list of winners of this Award, joining athletes like Lewis Hamilton to Jude Bellingham.
‘I hope to also inspire young drivers coming through. This Laureus is a reminder of everything that went into our win last season, and everything still to come.’
Rory McIlroy’s stunning and dramatic 2025 season was rewarded at the latest Laureus Awards
Days after picking up a second straight Masters (pictured), McIlroy was honoured for his first
For McIlroy, fresh off winning a second Masters, there will have been a great deal of satisfaction at seeing his momentous comeback in 2025, his first green jacket at Augusta, recognised against some immense sporting achievements by peers for what is his second career Laureus award.
‘Winning my second Laureus Award is a huge honour, both personally and for golf,’ the Northern Irishman said.
‘To have the sport recognised on a global stage like this, alongside so many great athletes, means a lot.
‘There are certain moments in your career that stay with you, and winning The Masters is one I’ll carry with me forever. To then have a year like that recognised by Laureus is very special.
‘Completing the career Grand Slam was incredibly emotional. It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time, and it probably means more because of everything that came before it — the near misses, the setbacks, and the questions along the way. That’s a big part of the journey, and I’m grateful that this award recognises that.’
It was a star-studded affair on the red carpet at the awards, held at the famous Palacio de Cibeles in the centre of Madrid.
Tennis icon Novak Djokovic hosted the awards alongside winter olympic sensation Eileen Gu.
Among the attendees was tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and former Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova, while the world of football was best represented by current Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who won the inaugural Laureus Young Sportsperson of the Year, an award he celebrated on his private jet with a McDonalds on the night.
Norris sent in a speech as he could not attend and he was taken aback at the company he found himself in with the likes of Lewis Hamilton having previously won this Laureus award
Carlos Alcaraz (left) and Lamine Yamal (right) were among the star names that were winners
‘I am very happy to be the first to receive this award for best young athlete. It is a source of pride,’ Yamal, beaming on stage in his dressed down denim attire, said.
‘I am grateful that my contributions to our team in 2025 are being recognised with this Laureus.
‘I believe that sport has the power to change the world. This statuette represents a new generation of athletes who can bring about that change. I am proud to be the first to receive this Laureus.’
