McIlroy was among winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards last night (Monday) winning the World Comeback of the Year award for his achievements in 2025.
"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," McIlroy said in a video message.
"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," he continued.
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Formula One's Lando Norris was awarded he World Breakthrough of the Year award. "Winning the world championship is something I dreamed about since I was young, so to win my first in 2025 is pretty special," Norris said.
"It's far from being an individual achievement. Without my team, who were also nominated for a Laureus Team of the Year award, I wouldn't be where I am today," he continued.
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Sportsman of the Year award: Carlos Alcaraz
Sportswoman of the Year award: Aryna Sabalenka
Team of the Year award: Paris St-Germain
Breakthrough of the Year award: Lando Norris
Comeback of the Year award: Rory McIlroy
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award: Gabriel Araujo
Action Sportsperson of the Year award: Chloe Kim
Young Sportsperson of the Year award: Lamine Yamal
Sporting Inspiration award: Toni Kroos
Lifetime Achievement award: Nadia Comaneci
Sport for Good award: Fútbol Más
The Laureus World Sports Awards have been presented annually since 2000. The nominees are selected by the Global Media, with the winners selected by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
