Former French soccer player Zinedine Zidane poses with his Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award during the Laureus World Sports Awards at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi Feb 7, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

The Awards were announced in seven categories. The winners were:

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Rafael Nadal (Spain)

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Lindsey Vonn (US)

Laureus World Team of the Year: Spain World Cup Team

Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Martin Kaymer (Germany)

Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Valentino Rossi (Italy)

Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Verena Bentele (Germany)

Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Kelly Slater (US)

The Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Zinedine Zidane (France)

Laureus Spirit of Sport Award: European Ryder Cup Team

Laureus Sport for Good Award: May El-Khalil, founder of the Beirut Marathon.