Tennis stars Alcaraz, Sabalenka win Laureus awards

Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were honoured as sportsman and sportswoman of the year at the Laureus Awards, while Paris Saint-Germain earned team of the year recognition.

Alcaraz claimed the French Open and U.S. Open titles last year, adding the Australian Open crown in January. Sabalenka, currently the world’s top-ranked woman, secured her second straight U.S. Open title. PSG celebrated a historic milestone by winning its first Champions League trophy in 2025.

Rory McIlroy, who successfully defended his Masters title earlier this month, was named comeback player of the year. Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, just 18, took home the young sportsperson of the year award, while Formula One champion Lando Norris was recognised as breakthrough athlete of the year.

German football legend Toni Kroos received the sporting inspiration award, and retired gymnast Nadia Comaneci was presented with the lifetime achievement honour. American snowboarder Chloe Kim won action sportsperson of the year, and Brazil’s Gabriel Araújo was named sportsperson of the year with a disability.

The ceremony, held in Madrid, was hosted by tennis icon Novak Djokovic alongside freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu.