Madrid: A multitude of elite athletes are expected to gather in Madrid for the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards later this month, featuring 24-time Grand Slam tennis champion and reigning Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Novak Djokovic.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the prestigious 'athletes' awards', recognized as the pinnacle of sporting accolades. It is also the second consecutive year that the event will take place in Madrid, with the renowned Palacio de Cibeles hosting the ceremony on Monday, April 21.
Novak Djokovic, a five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, expressed his enthusiasm: "It is thrilling to return to Madrid to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Laureus World Sports Awards. I have fond memories of receiving my fifth Laureus here last year, and I feel honored to attend once more. The Awards provide us athletes with a unique chance to connect, share our stories, and celebrate the mission of Laureus, as envisioned by Nelson Mandela 25 years ago, to leverage sport as a means to transform the world."
Since being awarded the 2024 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year - his fifth statuette - Novak Djokovic has also secured a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, etching his name into the annals of Golden Slam history.
Among the sporting icons from the Laureus World Sports Academy confirmed to attend the Awards are six-time Grand Slam champion and Djokovic's former coach, Boris Becker; football legends Cafu, Luis Figo, and Ruud Gullit; gymnastics icon Nadia Comaneci (marking 50 years since her 'Perfect 10'); athletics stars such as Edwin Moses and Nawal El Moutawakel; Rugby World Cup champion Bryan Habana; along with Olympians Chris Hoy and Steve Redgrave.
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, expressed his excitement about returning to Madrid, stating, "It is a great pleasure to be back in Madrid, where the city and surrounding region extended such a warm welcome to us last year. As we commemorate our 25th anniversary, we eagerly anticipate honoring the athletes who made 2024 a remarkable year."
The Laureus World Sports Academy, comprised of 69 sporting legends, is responsible for selecting the winners and is uniquely positioned to recognize the extraordinary achievements and narratives of the Nominees, who are chosen by a panel of over 1,300 leading sports media professionals in each category. Each Winner will receive the prestigious Laureus Statuette, a widely recognized emblem of excellence in the world of sports.
In addition to the Nominees and Academy Members, sports enthusiasts from the realms of fashion, film, and entertainment will be present, along with Laureus Ambassadors such as Fabio Capello, who secured two La Liga titles with Real Madrid in 1997 and 2007, tennis star Garbine Muguruza, who announced her retirement at last year's Awards, and adventurer Annabelle Bond.
The first release of confirmed guest names focuses on the sporting greats - the Laureus Academy and guests:
Football: Cafu, Ruud Gullit, Fabio Capello, Luis Figo, Kosovare Asllani
Athletics: Nawal El Moutawakel, Edwin Moses, Tegla Loroupe
Para Athletics: Tanni Grey-Thompson
Rugby: Sean Fitzpatrick, Bryan Habana, Hugo Porta
Skiing: Maria Hofl-Riesch
Cycling: Chris Hoy
Tennis: Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker, Garbine Muguruza, Mansour Bahrami, Belinda Bencic
Gymnastics: Nadia Comaneci, Li Xiaopeng
Motor Racing: Emerson Fittipaldi
Rowing: Steve Redgrave
Squash: Nicol David
Hockey: Luciana Aymar
Para Swimming: Daniel Dias
Windsurfing: Robby Naish
Cricket: Steve Waugh
Para Fencing: Beatrice Vio
Media representatives interested in attending the Laureus World Sports Awards are encouraged to apply for accreditation at their earliest convenience. Besides covering the Awards Ceremony, accredited media will have the chance to conduct interviews with Laureus Academy Members and various athletes present in Madrid over the three-day event, from Saturday, April 19th to the post-Awards activities on April 21st.
The Laureus World Sports Awards not only honor the sporting achievements of 2025 but also serve as a platform to highlight Laureus Sport for Good. This initiative harnesses the transformative power of sport to combat violence, discrimination, and inequality, demonstrating how sports can effect positive change globally. Currently, Laureus supports over 300 programs in more than 50 countries, aiming to transform communities and enhance the lives of young individuals. Since its establishment in 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has positively impacted the lives of over seven million children and young adults.
The significance of the Awards plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of the 2025 event. Collaborating closely with Host Partners, including the Madrid City Council and the Regional Government of Madrid, Laureus aims to leverage the expertise and resources of Laureus Sport for Good to create a lasting legacy for the youth of Madrid and its surrounding region.
