Madrid [Spain]: The 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards are set to return to Madrid later this month, bringing together some of the world’s greatest athletes, including Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and reigning Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
This year’s event marks the 25th anniversary of the prestigious sports awards, often referred to as the ‘athletes’ Oscars.’ It will take place on April 21 at the iconic Palacio de Cibeles, making it the second consecutive year Madrid hosts the ceremony.
Djokovic & Other Sporting Legends to Attend
Five-time Laureus winner Novak Djokovic expressed his excitement about attending the event once again:
“It is exciting to be back in Madrid to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Laureus World Sports Awards. These Awards give athletes a rare opportunity to meet, share experiences, and uphold the mission given to us by Nelson Mandela 25 years ago—to use sport to change the world.”
Since winning the 2024 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, Djokovic has further cemented his legacy by securing a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming part of tennis’ exclusive Golden Slam club.
Joining him at the awards will be some of the biggest names in sports, including:
- Tennis: Boris Becker, Garbine Muguruza, Belinda Bencic
- Football: Cafu, Luis Figo, Ruud Gullit, Fabio Capello
- Gymnastics: Nadia Comaneci (celebrating 50 years of her ‘Perfect 10’), Li Xiaopeng
- Athletics: Edwin Moses, Nawal El Moutawakel, Tegla Loroupe
- Cycling: Chris Hoy
- Rugby: Bryan Habana, Sean Fitzpatrick, Hugo Porta
- Motor Racing: Emerson Fittipaldi
- Cricket: Steve Waugh
Celebrating Excellence & Sport’s Power for Good
The Laureus World Sports Academy, consisting of 69 legendary athletes, selects the winners from a list of nominees chosen by over 1,300 top sports journalists worldwide. The winners will take home the coveted Laureus Statuette, a symbol of sporting excellence.
Alongside honoring the greatest athletes of 2025, the awards also highlight the work of Laureus Sport for Good, a foundation that supports over 300 programs across 50+ countries, using sport to combat violence, discrimination, and inequality. Since its inception in 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has positively impacted over 7 million young people worldwide.
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, emphasized Madrid’s warm hospitality:
“It is a thrill to return to Madrid. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we also look forward to honoring the incredible athletes who made 2024 an unforgettable year.”
How to Watch & Media Accreditation
Media representatives looking to cover the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 are encouraged to apply for accreditation as soon as possible. Journalists will have the opportunity to interview Laureus Academy Members and athletes from April 19 to April 21.
With a blend of elite sports, global icons, and a mission to change the world, the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards promises to be a historic event in Madrid.