Tennis ace Rafael Nadal pipped star footballers Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta to clinch the 'World Sportsman of the Year', while the World Cup winning Spanish football side expectedly walked away with the 'World Team of the Year' trophy at the Laureus World Sports Awards night on Monday.
The 'World Sportswoman of the Year' honour went to American alpine skiier Lindsey Vonn, who beat off competition from Belgian tennis ace Kim Clijsters, who won a second straight US Open and four other events last year, Serena Williams, and world number one tennis player Caroline Wozniacki among others.
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Rafael Nadal
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Lindsey Vonn
Laureus World Team of the Year: Spain World Cup Team
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Martin Kaymer
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Valentino Rossi
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Verena Bentele
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Kelly Slater.