The super Serb will headline a glittering line-up of sporting figures at the 2025 event in Madrid later this month. The prestigious ceremony, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, will take place on 21 April at the iconic Palacio de Cibeles.
Novak Djokovic, a five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, expressed his excitement at returning to the Spanish capital, “It’s exciting to be back in Madrid to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Laureus World Sports Awards. I have fond memories of picking up my fifth Laureus in Madrid last year and it is a privilege to be here again.
“The Awards give us athletes a rare opportunity not only to meet and share our experiences, but also to celebrate Laureus’ mission – given to us by Nelson Mandela 25 years ago – to use sport to change the world.”
Fresh from completing the Golden Slam at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will be joined by a host of global legends including six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker, football greats Cafu, Luis Figo and Ruud Gullit, gymnastics icon Nadia Comaneci (celebrating 50 years since her ‘Perfect 10’) and Olympic heroes Chris Hoy and Steve Redgrave. Rugby World Cup winner Bryan Habana and racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi will also be in attendance.
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, praised the return of the event to Madrid, “It is exciting to be back in Madrid after the warm welcome we received from the city and region last year. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are also looking forward to celebrating the athletes who have made 2024 such a memorable year.”
Widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in the sporting calendar, the Laureus Awards celebrate achievement across a range of disciplines. Winners are selected by the 69 sports legends who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy from a shortlist nominated by over 1,300 leading sports journalists.
Celebrities from the world of fashion, film and entertainment also attend the ceremony, alongside Laureus ambassadors such as former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello and retired tennis star Garbiñe Muguruza. This year’s awards are set to be a landmark celebration of sporting excellence, reflecting both historic achievements and the enduring power of sport to inspire and unite communities around the world.
