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Sports Celebrities Shine at Laureus Awards Gala in Madrid
The Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid glittered as elite athletes and their partners attended the prestigious ceremony. Tennis stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, affectionately known as ‘Tsitsidosa’, captivated onlookers as they graced the red carpet at Cibeles Palace. The renowned Laureus Awards celebrate the achievements of the world’s most exceptional sportsmen and sportswomen, and this year’s event welcomed luminaries such as Lamine Yamal, Simone Biles, and Armand Duplantis.
Glamorous Arrivals on the Red Carpet
Pole vaulting icon and two-time Olympic champion Armand Duplantis, honored as Sportsman of the Year, arrived in a sharp black suit complemented by a blue bow tie, accompanied by his fiancée Desire Inglander. Inglander, a model and content creator, radiated joy in a delicate light blue gown and sheer shawl as she celebrated Duplantis’s triumph. Gymnastics legend Simone Biles, recipient of the Sportswoman of the Year award, struck a pose for photographers, clutching her trophy while wearing a chic black corseted mini dress.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa made a striking appearance at the Laureus Awards in pristine white ensembles.
Armand Duplantis and fiancée Desire Inglander shared smiles before he was named Sportsman of the Year.
Simone Biles beamed as she accepted her Sportswoman of the Year Award at the Cibeles Palace.
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Notably absent was Biles’s husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, following Biles’s recent social media post alluding to their limited time together. Biles’s Sportswoman of the Year accolade marks her fourth Laureus win, equalling Serena Williams’ record in the female category at these prestigious sporting honors. She previously received the Comeback of the Year award.
‘It is a delight to be in Madrid and to accept my fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award,’ expressed the 28-year-old Biles, who also attended Real Madrid’s victory over Athletic Bilbao. ‘Laureus has been part of my journey since my first win in 2017. I am incredibly proud to add to my Laureus collection.’
Couples and Sporting Stars Unite
Footballer Conor Gallagher, accompanied by his girlfriend Aine May Kennedy, a social media influencer, drew attention in a navy suit and bow tie. The couple paused to admire the Nelson Mandela tribute wall, posing before a portrait of the iconic leader and his inspiring quote: ‘Sport has the power to change the world’.
Former Spanish tennis professional Feliciano Lopez and his girlfriend Sandra Gago made a stylish entrance at the celebrated event. Real Madrid icons Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal jointly accepted the World Team of the Year Award on behalf of their club.
Conor Gallagher and Aine May Kennedy appeared joyful as they arrived on the red carpet.
Feliciano Lopez and Sandra Gago presented a more serious demeanor upon arrival in Madrid.
Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal accepted the Team of the Year Award representing Real Madrid.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2025: Key Winners
Roma forward Paulo Dybala also attended, accompanied by his wife Oriana Sabatini. Rafael Nadal, honored with the Sporting Icon Award, playfully pretended to bite his trophy, exhibiting style in a classic black suit, bow tie, and watch.
‘Sporting icon? That is for others to determine,’ remarked the 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal. ‘However, I hope my career has resonated with sports enthusiasts beyond just tennis. I dedicated my all to the sport. My constant motivation has been to compete and perform my utmost every time I entered the court.’
Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal was recognized as Breakthrough of the Year. Tom Pidcock, a British cyclist, secured the Action Sportsperson of the Year award, celebrating his remarkable victory at the Olympic mountain bike race. Neither Yamal nor Pidcock were present at the Madrid ceremony.
Paulo Dybala and Oriana Sabatini appeared elegant as they arrived for the high-profile event.
Humorous moment! Rafael Nadal jokingly attempted to bite his Sport Icon Award on the red carpet.
Recognizing Sporting Excellence
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade received the Comeback of the Year award. Chinese swimmer Jiang Yuyan, celebrated for her seven gold medals at the Paris Paralympics, was named Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Surfing legend Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award, rounding out the list of distinguished Laureus Award winners.