The winner in the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year category was football player Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain). The award winners were decided ahead of the event by the Laureus Academy made up of 70 of the greatest living sports legends.
The Werkself won the German league title for the first time in the club's history in 2023/24 in the most impressive way without a single defeat. In addition, the team led by head coach Xabi Alonso reached the final of the UEFA Europa League and sealed the German double by winning the DFB Pokal. And Bayer 04 secured a third trophy within a few months by winning the Supercup last summer.
The other winners in 2025 alongside Lamine Yamal are the pole vaulter Armand Duplantis (World Sportsman of the Year), gymnast Simone Biles (World Sportswoman of the Year), plus Real Madrid (World Team of the Year) and Rafael Nadal (Sporting Icon Award).
The Laureus World Sports Awards:
The Laureus World Sports Awards, celebrating the 25th anniversary this year, are the most prestigious awards in sport and are also known as the 'Oscars of Sports'. The aim is to honour outstanding sporting achievements as well as promoting community projects through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Previous winners include Lionel Messi, the Spain men's and women's teams, Rafael Nadal and Michael Schumacher.
The Bayer 04 Women's team coaches remain in place: The Werkself have extended the contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman by two years to 2027. The 30-year-old will continue to assist head coach Roberto Pätzold along with fellow assistant coach Friederike Mehring.
Show moreIt is particularly difficult to find the right words for some farewells: Bayer 04 say “Thank you, Flo” for five and a half magical years in Black and Red. For an incredible journey together. Florian Wirtz has signed for Liverpool. But he will always be part of the Bayer 04 family. A farewell letter to Florian ‘football god’ Wirtz…
Show moreFlorian Wirtz has completed the move to Premier League champions Liverpool. In his five and a half years in a Bayer 04 jersey he has given us incredible and unforgettable memories. Here are some of his best moments from his time at Leverkusen. Thank you for everything, Flo!
Show moreGermany international Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen after five and a half years to play for Liverpool. Wirtz, at the Werkself since January 2020 and a champion of Germany, DFB Pokal winner and Supercup winner in 2024, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool.
Show more