The 2025 Laureus Awards are poised to celebrate outstanding athletic achievements as the nominations were announced today at the Community of Madrid's building on Puerta del Sol. This year’s nominations spotlight the remarkable performances from the previous Olympic year, emphasizing the dedication and talent of global sports figures.
Nadia Comaneci, the iconic gymnast known for her perfect ten at the Montreal Olympics, was among the honored guests at the event. Reflecting on her legacy, Comaneci remarked, “I’m very proud of the history I made, and it’s beautiful to be celebrated even after almost 50 years.” Her career breakthrough came at the 1975 European Championships when she captured attention by winning multiple gold medals. Today, she embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and the power of athletics to inspire generations.
This year’s nominations include familiar names heralded for their triumphs during the 2024 season. Notably, the extraordinary swimmer Léon Marchand is highlighted alongside gymnastics superstars Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade. Comaneci praised both athletes, describing Biles as “one of those athletes who appears every 40 or 50 years,” and commending Andrade’s remarkable rise from Brazil, stating, “I saw her talent at just 10 years old at my Invitational event.”
Beyond individual accolades, the Real Madrid football team is anticipated to snag the Best Team award after clinching the double title this past season. Their star players also feature prominently among leading nominees; Rodri is expected to be recognized for his contributions to both the Euro Cup victory and Premier League success, along with Carlos Alcaraz making headlines as one of tennis’s brightest rising stars.
The 2025 Laureus Awards ceremony will be held on April 21st, with anticipation building around the potential winners and their contributions to sport and society. The Awards aim to ascribe not only accolades for performance but also underline the role of sports as a force for good around the world.
Comaneci is deeply connected with Laureus, having served as one of the founding members of the Academy, and recounted pivotal moments from her life involved with the organization. One such moment was meeting Nelson Mandela, whose words still resonate: “Sport has the power to change the world.” Comaneci reflected on the impact of sports during her formative years, breaking through barriers and inspiring others, particularly young women.
This year’s nominations encapsulate the spirit of hope and resilience, reflecting the aspirations of athletes who, like Comaneci, have defied odds and achieved greatness. The gala event promises to shine light on both well-known champions and rising stars, celebrating their commitment to excellence and the transformative power of sports.
The event is also significant as it occurs during the Olympic year, adding to the excitement surrounding the nominees. With such talents on the list, the competition is expected to be fierce, but at its core, the Laureus Awards champion the values of camaraderie and achievement, regardless of the eventual outcomes.
Comaneci continues to advocate for sports as a vehicle for societal change, echoing her thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities within sports. Her sentiments resonate particularly as these themes are woven throughout the nominations and overall ethos of the Laureus Awards.
Through this celebration of sport, the Laureus Foundation reinforces its commitment to using sports to improve lives, bringing forth programs and initiatives aimed at aiding those at risk of social exclusion. The legacy of athletes like Comaneci serves as both inspiration and proof of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Overall, the 2025 Laureus Awards nominations not only identify the best performances of the previous year but also highlight the enduring influence and power of sports on global culture and society. With the ceremony fast approaching, eyes are set on who will take home the prestigious awards, but equally on the stories and journeys of the athletes recognized.
The path forward for these athletes may also serve as motivation for aspiring sports stars worldwide, showing them the importance of perseverance, passion, and purpose. The Awards will be more than just recognition; they signify hope and the aspiration beacons shining through the world of sports.