Los Blancos faced a 3-1 defeat at Wanda Metropolitano during Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid with Morata scoring a brace against his former club.
Real Madrid had won every single game so far this season, with a help of a little luck. Other than Real Sociedad, they had barely faced a significant challenge as of yet. Atlético Madrid would hand them the biggest hurdle of the season thus far.
The game started tragically for Real Madrid, as familiar face Álvaro Morata delicately nodded home a great cross to give his side the lead. This put the visitors into shock, and they almost fell two behind when José Giménez headed wide.
That missed opportunity didn't matter much, as it was two not soon after. Antoine Griezmann nodded the ball into the corner, as Kepa Arrizabalaga could only dive in slow motion to try and prevent it from going in.
Los Blancos would switch on after this, and saw their first chance of the game fly over via a Luka Modrić long shot. Fede Valverde would then put another attempt on target after he headed towards goal from a corner, but it was straight into the hands of Jan Oblak.
Kepa made a great save to keep Real in the game after Marcos Llorente yet again peeled off down the right hand side and found an attacker inside the area. They would get back into the game after Toni Kroos feinted past his man, before blasting the ball home to score an unbelievable goal.
Modrić almost found himself in for the equaliser, but he took too much time on the ball and allowed the defence to recover to block the ball away. Real Madrid then seemingly scored a perfectly good goal just before half time, but Antonio Rüdiger was deemed to be offside (which he was), and heavily involved with the play, thus the goal, which actually involved David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga who tapped home, was disallowed.
The score remained 2-1 at the break of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid.
Second Half:
If you think the first half started off badly, you'd be in for a shock at the start of the second half of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid. Morata again found himself free in the box after some dreadful defending from David Alaba allowed him to score his second header of the game and make it 3-1.
Another former player, Mario Hermoso, hit the crossbar with a headed attempt as the game began to feel lost already. Joselu Mato did really well after coming on to set up Rodrygo Goes for a volley, which was blocked before another substitute in Aurélien Tchouaméni fired inches wide from a superb long distance strike.
Two shots from distance were all either side could muster up for the duration of the match as the home side managed the game well and executed their usual tactics to good effect. The full time whistle couldn't come soon enough for some players, and Real Madrid were handed their first defeat of the season against their city rivals.
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
El Clasico is considered as the greatest football rivalries, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is the list of the top 10 greatest El Clasico matches ever played.
Zamorano celebrating his goal in the 1995 El Clasico. Image | TheHardTackle
The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.
The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.
9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014
Gareth Bale(right) celebrating his 85th minute winner against Barcelona in the 2014 El Clasico. Image | Sky Sports
The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Balesecured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.
8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010
Xavi Hernandez after scoring the first goal of the night in the 2010 El Clasico. Image | CNN
After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.
Lionel Messi celebrating his hattrick in the 2007 El Clasico. Image | 90MIN
This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.
Messi scored a hat-trick, whileVan Nistelrooy scored twice andRamos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.
6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005
Raul Gonzalez celebrating his goal in the 2005 El Clasico. Image | Squawka
The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.
5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960
Alfredo Di Stefano trying to score a goal in the 1960 El Clasico. Image | Alamy
Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.
The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.
4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015
Luis Suarez(centre) celebrating his goal in the 2015 El Clasico. Image | FC Barcelona
During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.
2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011
Cesc Fabregas(left) celebrating his assist to Lionel Messi(right) in the 2011 El Clasico. Image | TheNewYorkTimes
One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.
Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.
1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017
Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.
What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of Sportz Point. This is Koushik Biswas, with the Copa del Rey 2025 Final LIVE updates for you.
Tonight, we will have one of the biggest games of World football as FC Barcelona take on Real Madrid in an El Clásico clash for the Copa del Rey title. Barcelona, who are leading the race for the La Liga title, would hope to win their second trophy of the season and be in contention for another Treble.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who are second in the La Liga and have been knocked out of the Champions League, would like to bring glory to the club as well.
Hence, we have an exciting game in our hands. So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the buildup stories, team news, stats and LIVE updates of the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid El-Clasico match.
The referee has changed his decision on the penalty and booked Raphinha for diving. Scenes!
Apr 26, 2025, 10:01 PM
90+8' | VAR Check is going
A VAR check is going on to check whether there was enough from Asencio to give it a penalty.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:59 PM
90+6' | Penalty for Barcelona
With only 1 minute left of the regulation time, Asencio fouled Raphinha inside the box. It is a clear penalty for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:57 PM
90+4' Yellow card
Yellow card for Fermin for pulling Modric's shirt.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:57 PM
90+3' | Interception from Cubarsi
Vital interception from Cubarsi again as he blocked a through pass from the right aimed for Mbappe.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:54 PM
90+1' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Modric for a bad foul on Gavi.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:54 PM
6 minutes added
6 minutes of injury time added.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:52 PM
89' | Change for Real Madrid
In: Diaz
Out: Vinicius
Apr 26, 2025, 9:51 PM
85' | Double change
In: Gavi, Araujo
Out: FDJ, Martin
Apr 26, 2025, 9:48 PM
84' | Ferrraaaaaannnnnnn | FCB 2-2 RMA
Out of nowhere, Ferran Torres does the job for Barcelona.
His sixth goal of the tournament this season.
Lamine Yamal with a top-class assist. His lobbed ball found Ferran making a run inside the box. He then defeated an incoming Courtois to score the equaliser.
FCB 2-2 RMA
Apr 26, 2025, 9:45 PM
82' | Save from Courtois
Great save from the Belgian. Lamine Yamal's curling shot was going inside for sure. But Courtois dived to his left to make the save.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:41 PM
77' | Gooooaaallllllllll | FCB 1-2 RMA
A third consecutive corner for Real Madrid and an inswinging delivery from Guler helped Tchouaméni jump in the air to send the ball inside the goal.
Real Madrid take the lead.
FCB 1-2 RMA
Apr 26, 2025, 9:40 PM
76' | Back-to-back corners for Real
Barcelona are under huge pressure.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:38 PM
74' | Inigo with an interception
Surely Vinicius and Mbappe are outpacing the Barcelona defenders.
Inigo, after losing the ball, came running to stop a pass from Vinicius from inside the box.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:34 PM
70' | Mbbbbaaaaaappeeeeeeeeeee | FCB 1-1 RMA
Kylian Mbappe does what he has done for years!
Free-kick from just outside the box and he went through the wall to beat Szczęsny.
That was a very weak wall, and there was space in between. But Real Madrid and Mbappe did not mind it.
RCB 1-1 RMA.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:32 PM
68' | Yellow card
Ouuuuuu! This could be red as well.
De Jong pulls down Mbappe from a goal-scoring opportunity. Was it enough for a red? The referee does not think so.
Free-kick for Real Madrid.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:30 PM
Meantime in Saudi
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Al Nassr, reaches 934 career goals…
Barcelona have dominated Real Madrid in the first 45 minutes of the match.
Pedri's stunning goal gave Barcelona the lead. Real Madrid tried to put pressure on the referee, and we could have seen a few more yellow cards, other than that.
We have seen Kylian Mbappe warming up just before the half-time. Surely, he will come off the bench in the second half.
FC Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
Apr 26, 2025, 8:48 PM
45+2' | Offside
A huge chance for Vinicius to level the score.
Jude with the great ball for the Brazilian. But he was a tad offside.
Inigo had caught him inside the box. However, the offside ruled everything out.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:46 PM
5 minutes added
5 minutes of injury time added.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:45 PM
44' | Chance for Barcelona
Dani Olmo's curling corner missed everyone and hit the far post. It could have gone into the goal easily.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:43 PM
42' | Rudiger fouls Olmo
Rudiger fouls Olmo again. Barcelona ask for a yellow card, not given.
Free-kick from a dangerous position for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:42 PM
41' | Lamine defending!
Good from the youngster, who came running to win the ball back from Garcia. He tells the Barcelona fans to cheer more.
Excellent from Cubarsi, who came running from behind to block an attempted pass from Vinicius.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:27 PM
25' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for dissent.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:25 PM
23' | Block from Kounde
Real Madrid, with their first attack of the match, had Fran Garcia on the left of the box, went for a shot.
Kounde came in running to make a great block.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:22 PM
21' | Courtios makes the save
Raphinha with a curling free-kick and Kounde's header was on target.
Courtois had to jump high to make a decent save.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:20 PM
19' | Lamine misses the target
Lamine Yamal from the left of the box, tried a shot with his left foot.
The shot along the ground missed the far post by a whisker.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:18 PM
16' | Chance for Ferran
Brilliant from Olmo to win the ball in the half and send a long ball for Raphinha to make a run.
Ferran Torres nearly met Raphinha's cross.
A call for a penalty was shouted, but the VAR denied it.
No penalty was given for Barcelona
Apr 26, 2025, 8:16 PM
14' | Madrid getting a lots of men in the box
Barcelona are looking to play a few one-two inside the box before making the final move.
But Real Madrid have lots of men inside the box to tackle that.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:14 PM
13' | Lamine nutmegs Rudier
The teenager pipped over Garcia to enter the final third and then nutmegged Rudiger to win the corner for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:12 PM
11' | Forced change for Real Madrid
Fran Garcia replaces injured Mendy. Such a shame for a player like him. He was coming from an injury, and Real Madrid lost their left back early in the game.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:10 PM
9' | Mendy is down
Mendy is not looking good. Looks like he will be changed.
He had a tussle with Kounde, and he is down on the ground.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:07 PM
5' | Barcelona keeping the high line
Barcelona keeping the high line and looking for chances at the front.
Raphinha and Ferran had two good chances, but without Lewandowski, they need a man at the top to show them the path.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:04 PM
3' | Chance for Barcelona
Ferran Torres from the close range made a good cutback, but Tchouaméni was there to intercept.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:03 PM
1' | Raphinha could have gone further
FC Barcelona had the early chance of making a good run on the left. But he decided to send a pass across the turf.
Rudiger cleared that out.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:01 PM
Kick-off!
Barcelona start the match in their maroon and blue.
Subs: Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Hector Fort, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor.
Apr 26, 2025, 6:39 PM
Lineups | Real Madrid
Starting XI: Courtois, L. Vázquez, R. Asencio, A. Rüdiger, F. Mendy, F. Valverde, A. Tchouaméni, D. Ceballos, J. Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo.
Subs: Andriy Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, David Alaba, Jesús Vallejo, Fran García, Luka Modrić, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, Endrick.
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González. Defenders: Alaba, Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy and Asencio. Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler and Ceballos. Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim.
Apr 26, 2025, 2:24 PM
Barcelona squad for the match
Marc-André ter Stegen
Pau Cubarsí
Ronald Araujo
Iñigo Martínez
Gavi
Ferran Torres
Pedri
Ansu Fati
Raphinha
Iñaki Peña
Pablo Torre
Andreas Christensen
Fermín López
Pau Víctor
Lamine Yamal
Dani Olmo
Frenkie de Jong
Jules Koundé
Eric García
Wojciech Szczęsny
Héctor Fort
Gerard Martín
Apr 26, 2025, 2:24 PM
Real Madrid threatened to opt out of the final
Real Madrid first released a statement that they might think of opting out of the final after the statement of the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Bengoetxea was brought to tears in a press conference after Real Madrid TV released a video highlighting the mistakes of the referee, which brought him insults and trolls from many sections of fans.
Real Madrid wanted the Federation to change the referee and did not train or visit the pre-match rituals as well.
However, the Federation stuck to their decision and did not change the officials of the match. Later, Real Madrid stated they want to go ahead with the final.
Football fans from India can watch the Copa del Rey 2025 final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on the Fan Code App and Website with a paid subscription. Unfortunately, there are no television broadcast for this match.
Apr 26, 2025, 2:13 PM
Match Details
Match: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2025 final
Copa Del Rey Final: Real Madrid issues statement midst rumours of Copa del Rey boycott
The Los Blancos have issued a statement amid the rumours of boycotting the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on Saturday. They are not happy with the statements of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
Real Madrid have issued an official statement amid the rumours of boycotting the Copa del Rey 2025 final against FC Barcelona on Saturday after the statements of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was brought to tears in the press conference after Real Madrid released a video highlighting his mistakes from the past.
Here is the statement made by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in the press conference.
“When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up,” he told reporters.
“What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.
“This is really messed up... but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is, it has given us many values," this is what Bengoetxea said.
🎙️ "Lo que hago es intentar educar a mi hijo para decirle que es honrado, pero que se equivoca como una persona más".
➡️ "Quiero que mi hijo esté orgulloso de lo que es su padre".
Here is Real Madrid's video highlighting his mistakes -
Real Madrid TV have released a video going after the referee who will oversee the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona (Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea) pic.twitter.com/utqUrXriyN
After the statement of Bengoetxea, Real Madrid want the referee for the final to be changed. Although there are no signs of a change in the official stance of the Federation.
Here is the official statement from Real Madrid regarding the issue -
Real Madrid C. F. considers unacceptable the public statements made today by the referees appointed for the Copa del Rey Final to be held tomorrow 26 April 2025.
These statements, which have surprisingly placed in the spotlight videos made by a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Realmadrid TV, made in a premeditated manner 24 hours ahead of the final against one of its participants, demonstrate, once again, these referees clear and manifest animosity and hostility towards Real Madrid.
Statements that are even more surprising, using a threatening tone, alluding to the unity of the referees, to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that will draw the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
In view of the seriousness of events, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the R.F.E.F. and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, taking the corresponding measures in defence of the honour of the institutions they represent.
Real Madrid have cancelled their training and press conference as well. But, the Federation is hopeful of completing the final with no issue.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2025: Simone Biles, Mondo Duplantis, Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal win awards
Simone Biles, Rebecca Andrade, Mondo Duplantis, Tom Pidcock, Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid and Jijang Yuan were the winners in the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Mondo Duplantis won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
Madrid became the capital city of sport tonight as the Laureus World Sports Awards celebrated its 25th anniversary by gathering the greatest athletes not only of the past 12 months, but of the 21st Century.
Simone Biles andRebecca Andrade – friends, rivals and Olympic champions from the world of gymnastics – were both winners here; both sides of Spanish football’s great duopoly were represented on the winners’ podium, asReal Madrid and Barcelona’sLamine Yamal were honoured; and Olympic and Paralympic heroes includingMondoDuplantis,Tom Pidcock andJijang Yuan added a Laureus to their laurels.
Standing alongside the world’s greatest athletes were leaders from the inspirational Lesotho-based football programmeKick4Life, recipients of the 2025Laureus Sport for Good Award.
25 years after the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards were held in Monaco in 2000, this special anniversary edition of the greatest show in sports was also a celebration of the growth of Laureus as a unique sporting movement, encompassing the world-famous Awards and the year-round work of Laureus Sport for Good in over 40 countries.
The Awards evening launched a multi-media wave of posts, coverage and broadcast around the world, as athletes, media and bloggers reacted to this year’s winners – each presented with ‘The Laureus’ - the coveted statuette awarded to the winner in each category and the prize the greatest athletes in the world value above all other Awards – voted on by the 69 sporting legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
And this year, the body awarded two additional statuettes, honouring 22-time Grand Slam tennis championRafael Nadal andKelly Slater, an 11-time world champion in surfing.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games were at the heart of the sporting year in 2024, and this year’s list of Laureus winners includes several athletes who added a Laureus to their collection of gold.
It was the fourth time lucky for the greatest pole-vaulter of all time,Mondo Duplantis. He was awarded theLaureus World Sportsman of the Year Awardafter being nominated in each of the last three years and is the second track-and-field athlete to win this Award, after four-time winner Usain Bolt.
Still just 25 years old, the Swede shows no signs of loosening his grip over the competition following another historic year. After winning his second World Indoor Championship gold medal in March, Duplantis broke his own world record for a remarkable ninth time in 2024 on the way to gold in Paris, before shattering it again at the Silesia Diamond League meeting the following month. Duplantis received his Award from last year’s winner, Novak Djokovic.
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year,Mondo Duplantis: “I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in the sporting capital of Madrid and to have the great Usain Bolt pay tribute to me, who I follow as the second track and field athlete to win this Award.
“The Laureus Awards are the ultimate awards that we athletes want to win. I know because this is the fourth time I have been nominated – and that proves it’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold medal!
“I’ll never forget receiving this beautiful Laureus from the great Novak Djokovic – I’m following in the footsteps of giants like Novak, Usain, Rafael Nadal and Lionel Messi. The list of past winners of this Award is like a history of sporting greatness over the past 25 years.
“The Laureus Awards represent something more than sporting achievement. The fact that they are voted on by the 69 world-class athletes of the Laureus World Sports Academy elevates them to another level. These are athletes who know the dedication and commitment that lies behind sporting successes; they have set the mark that athletes like me strive for. To be recognised by them is truly something special.
“Finally, I must also acknowledge Laureus’ broader mission of using sport as a vehicle for change in the world. The work of Laureus Sport for Good has transformed lives around the world, and – as the Awards celebrate its 25th anniversary – it is important to reflect on the enormous legacy that it has created. It’s a legacy I am proud to be a part of.”
Simone Biles’ breathtaking displays in the French capital saw her namedLaureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time, equalling the record held by tennis great and compatriot Serena Williams – they both also have oneComeback of the Year Award.
Biles called the Paris Games her ‘redemption tour’ after taking a break from the sport, and the most decorated gymnast in history produced a stunning performance, picking up three golds and a silver. One year after winning thatComeback of the Year Award, her redemption is complete.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year,Simone Biles: “I’m so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourthLaureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.
“I won this Award for the first time in 2017, and Laureus has been a part of my story since then. And I share their belief that sport has the power to change the world. That might be a little girl watching someone like me on television and deciding she can do it, too. Or it could be the incredible work Laureus Sport for Good has undertaken for the past 25 years, all over the world.
“I’d like to thank the legendary members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, who vote for the winners. It must be an almost impossible job, but their unique personal experiences of sport at the highest level gives them an understanding of what it takes to be the very best. Their generation has inspired us, athletes standing here before you. That is why the Laureus Awards truly are the ‘Athletes Awards’ and I am proud to have added to my ‘Laureus’ collection.”
Brazilian gymnastRebeca Andrade completed her inspirational return from career-threatening injuries at the Paris Games, and she is this year’s recipient of theLaureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
Andrade considered quitting the sport in the wake of a series of soul-crushing injuries, including three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and agonising rehabilitations. Her long road back to the top was complete when she won gold in the floor competition – a moment memorialised forever by the image of her long-time rival Biles bowing to her as she stood at the top of the podium.
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award winner,Rebeca Andrade, said: “This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness and one of my most cherished memories – standing on top of the Olympic podium again.
“In the 25-year history of these Awards that have become the ultimate prize for athletes, these stories of resilience have inspired generations of young people. Previous winners of the Comeback of the Year have included some of the greatest athletes of all time, from my fellow Brazilian, Ronaldo, to Simone last year.
“And just as our stories reach every corner of the world, we stand here alongside Laureus Sport for Good as they bring together projects from across the globe which use sport to improve the lives of children and young people.
“Individual sports can be isolating, but Paris showed that camaraderie can exist between competitors, and I was so proud to compete alongside last year’s winner of this Award, Simone Biles. Simone and I are the only two gymnasts to win a Laureus Award, and I hope our stories can inspire anyone who has experienced injuries and setbacks to keep fighting through the many obstacles placed in front of them on the long road to recovery.”
Tom Pidcock is theLaureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year after winning the Olympic mountain bike cross-country title in unforgettable fashion.
His hopes of defending the title he won in Tokyo appeared all but over after suffering a puncture, but after changing wheels, the British rider staged a stirring fightback to reel in leader and home favourite Victor Koretsky before pulling off a daring late overtake in the trees to win gold against the odds.
Pidcock is the fourth British cyclist to win the Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, following Jamie Bestwick (2014), Rachel Atherton (2017) and Beth Shriver (2022).
Paralympic swimming superstarJiang Yuyan collected theLaureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.
Yuyan was the most decorated athlete at the 2024 Paralympic Games, winning seven para swimming golds from seven events in the pool, matching the feat of Laureus Academy Member Mark Spitz.
The 19-year-old also set two individual world records and was honoured as the flagbearer for the Chinese team at the closing ceremony. She is the seventh Chinese winner of a Laureus after Yao Ming (Breakthrough 2003, Spirit of Sport 2015), Liu Xiang (Breakthrough, 2005), China Olympic Team (Team, 2009), Li Na (Exceptional Achievement, 2015), Xia Boyu (Sporting Moment, 2019) and Eileen Gu (Action, 2023).
Teen sensationLamine Yamal was the recipient of theLaureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award after emerging as one of football’s global superstars.
As part of the Spain team which won Euro 2024, he became the youngest player to score in the European Championships as well as the youngest to feature in the final and was named Best Young Player of the tournament. He is only the second footballer to win this Award, after Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder who won it last year.
Bellingham did not go unrecognised tonight, either.Real Madridare quite simply a winning machine and were honoured with theLaureus World Team of the Year Awardafter a season in which they won La Liga for a record 36th time, delivered a 15th UEFA Champions League/European Cup title, and defeated rivals Barcelona 4-1 in the Supercopa de España.
The club continued to sweep aside all before them at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, winning both the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, an achievement which saw Carlo Ancelotti become Madrid’s most decorated manager.
For 25 years, the Laureus World Sports Awards have seen the greatest athletes in the world share the stage with Laureus Sport for Good programmes that fulfil the mission defined by the founding patron of Laureus at the first Awards: to use the power of sport to change the world.
Kick4Life is one of over 300 Laureus Sport for Good projects all over the world making a difference in their communities, and they were presented with this year’sLaureus Sport for Good Award in Madrid.Kick4Life uses football to reach at-risk children in Lesotho, promoting health education, life-skills development, gender rights and employability. The inspirational organisation, which was also nominated for this Award in 2022, has reached more than 250,000 young people since it was founded in 2005.
Nominees for the Laureus World Sports Awards are decided by the world’s media, and the winners are voted on by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy – the ultimate sporting jury. This year, the Academy also included two discretionary Awards.
Carlos Alcaraz with Rafael Nadal during the award show.
Rafael Nadal received theLaureus Sporting Icon Awardafter a year in which he announced the end of one of the greatest careers in the history of professional tennis. A celebratory video package of his career was specially voiced by Morgan Freeman, who included his own tribute to the Spaniard. This year’s Awards expands on Nadal’s ‘Laureus Slam’ – he is the only athlete to have won theSportsman of the Year Award, theComeback of the Year, theBreakthrough of the Year and theLaureus Sport for Good Award.
Rafael Nadal said,“The Laureus World Sports Awards are important to me. Back in 2006, I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in Barcelona, in front of sporting heroes who had inspired millions of people around the world. Then last year, after twice being named Sportsman of the Year and also winning Comeback of the Year, my foundation was honoured to win the Laureus Sport for Good Award, here in Madrid.”
“My retirement from competitive tennis made 2024 an emotional year for me, where there were some magical moments like the one in Paris, carrying the Olympic torch. Tennis and sports in general have given me so much; my drive has always been to compete and try my best every time I stepped on the court. Competitive tennis has stopped, and it is time to reflect and to appreciate all the support I receive from everyone – my friends and family, my fans, my fellow athletes.
“A Sporting Icon? I think that is for other people to decide. But I hope that my career has inspired sports fans beyond tennis. I gave it everything I had. As athletes, we have a unique opportunity to use our influence and inspiration to make a positive impact on the world and as I move into my next chapter, I’m going to hold on to the ideals that I share with Laureus and work with them to achieve the most important thing an athlete can do – changing the world through sport.”
AndKelly Slater, widely considered the greatest surfer of all time, received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award. Slater is a four-time winner of theLaureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award and an 11-time World Surf League champion.
The full list of Winners in the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award:Mondo Duplantis
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Simone Biles
Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Real Madrid
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Rebeca Andrade
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award:Jiang Yuyan
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award:Tom Pidcock
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