AFCON 2025
Spanish football prodigy, Lamine Yamal has been honored with the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award, recognizing his pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant European Championship campaign.
At just 17, Yamal made history as the youngest player to appear, score, and start in a European Championship final.
His exceptional performances earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player accolade, and he was instrumental in securing Spain’s record fourth European title.
Additionally, Yamal received the 2024 Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards, held at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles, celebrated outstanding achievements across various sports disciplines. The winners were selected by the 69-member Laureus World Sports Academy.
Complete List of 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards Winners:
– World Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis (Sweden, Athletics) — Recognized for retaining his Olympic pole vault title and breaking his own world record twice in 2024.
– World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics) — Honored for her remarkable comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing multiple medals including gold in team, all-around, and vault events.
– Team of the Year: Real Madrid (Spain, Football) — Celebrated for winning their 15th Champions League title, along with La Liga and the Supercopa de España.
– Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Spain, Football) — Acknowledged for his historic performances during Spain’s European Championship victory.
– Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade (Brazil, Gymnastics) — Recognized for her return from major injuries to claim gold in the floor exercise at the Paris Games.
– Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Jiang Yuyan (China, Para Swimming) — Honored for her outstanding achievements in para swimming.
– Action Sportsperson of the Year: Tom Pidcock (UK, Mountain Biking) — Celebrated for winning back-to-back Olympic titles in the cyclo-cross discipline.
– Sport for Good Award: Kick4Life — Recognized for their efforts in using football as a tool for social development and change.
– Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal (Spain, Tennis) — Honored for his illustrious career and contributions to the sport of tennis.
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelly Slater (USA, Surfing) — Celebrated for his enduring impact and success in the world of surfing.
