Nelson Mandella

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

25 Years of Laureus

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

During a league match in April 2023, Arsenal player Leah Williamson ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament and had to undergo a gruelling 10-month rehabilitation programme before returning to the pitch in January 2024. She proved instrumental for club and country the following season, leading Arsenal to a first UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph against FC Barcelona in May 2025 before captaining England to a penalty shootout win over Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, sealing a second-consecutive title.
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