2025 has been a huge year for sport. With huge events like the FIFA Club World Cup and Ryder Cup taking place this year, people are already wondering who will be the most influential sports people of 2025. Some contenders are making strong claims early in the year, and experts of sportsbook promos and casino bonuses at ProfitDuel have analyzed performances from all different sportspeople to see who is tipped to be the most dominant and best-performing athlete of 2025!
Armand Duplantis
Recognized officially by the Laureus World Sports Awards, Armand Duplantis is already one of the standout sportsmen of 2025 after winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award after his third consecutive nomination. The Swedish two-time Olympic champion broke the men’s pole vault record for the eleventh time in February, making him one of the best in his event’s history. With three world records, an engagement, and his first music single, Armand Duplantis has had an extremely busy year, but adding the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award will only add to the incredible 365 days that the Swedish champion has had.
Being the second olympian to win the award behind Usian Bolt, Armand Duplantis looks to continue breaking records throughout the year whilst he prepares for the next Olympics in 2028.
Rory McIlroy
Starting the year off with a green jacket, a win at The Players tournament, and finally conquering Pebble Beach, Rory McIlroy might not be the youngest golfer around, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. He is, in fact, showing signs of improvement! Finally completing his Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy became the Masters champion in 2025, making him one of only six golfers in the entire sport to have won all four majors and immortalizing him in the sport.
After not winning a major since 2014, the monkey is now off McIlroy’s back, and many golfing pundits and experts are expecting the Grand Slam champion to push on. Playing with less pressure and scrutiny than he faced before, 2025 could be a huge year for the Northern Irish star in terms of golfing titles and success.
Simone Biles
After her superb performance in the 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles is another Olympian who has made their way into the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. Simone Biles won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time after her record-breaking campaign, with the USA athlete winning four medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, three of which were gold. These medals made her the most decorated artistic gymnast of all time, cementing herself forever in the history of the Olympic Games.
Withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Biles returned to the Olympic Stage in Paris with all eyes on her and her every move put under a microscope. With her champion and winner’s mentality, she was able to deliver under huge pressure, achieving gold in the women’s all-around and vault. Biles also helped USA to win gold in the team event and pick up silver in the floor exercise, making for an incredibly impressive campaign!
Lamine Yamal
A breakout star for both Spain and Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is tipped to be the next global football superstar, with the winger taking the Spanish league and Champions League by storm! At just 17 years old, the Barcelona forward has already achieved remarkable feats, including the record for the youngest El Clasico Goalscorer, and was recognized at the Laureus World Sports Awards with the Breakthrough of the Year award. Lamine Yamal has also been awarded the Young Player of the Tournament award at the European Championships in 2024 whilst also scoring the Goal of the Tournament!
Being awarded the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, Yamal has already cemented his status as Europe’s top young player, and with a push for both the La Liga and Champions League trophies needed throughout 2025, Lamine Yamal is one of Barcelona’s best assets to try and win both trophies!
Lando Norris
Another athlete recognized at the Laureus World Sports Awards, McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, is one of the most popular British athletes throughout the world of sport! After winning the Constructors Championship with Mclaren in 2024 and finishing runner-up in the Driver’s Championship to Max Verstappen, the British driver is tipped to be the favorite for the Driver’s Championship this year, with Mclaren excelling with the best car, and Lando developing into one of the best drivers throughout the grid.
With his first win in the sport coming in Miami in 2024, Lando Norris has since been on a mission to challenge the dominant Max Verstappen and be the first driver to beat Max to the championship since 2020. With raw pace, winning experience, and a strong team, Lando Norris looks to have his most successful year in F1 to date throughout 2025.