Since the GOAT gymnastics tour wrapped up last year, Simone Biles has been living her best life, traveling the world and spending quality time with her husband, Jonathan Owens. But for this month, her stop in Madrid had a different vibe. No, Jonathan wasn’t by her side in the Spanish capital — yet Simone’s excitement was off the charts. Why? Because Madrid wasn’t just for vacation. It was where Simone would be honoured with the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award for her electrifying “Redemption Tour” comeback. And there was another reason — one that had Simone practically buzzing with anticipation.

Before the awards night, in a conversation with Laureus, Simone was asked, ‘whom she is most excited to see at the awards?’ Without missing a beat, with a big smile, Simone said, “Rebeca.” The chance to meet up with her fiercest rival and dear friend, Rebeca Andrade, made her say: “I feel like me and Rebeca’s friendship is so fun… And I feel like we push each other to every boundary,” Simone said. True to her words, when they reunited in Madrid, Simone and Rebeca made the most of every moment, which even a week later, Simone still can’t stop thinking about. Need proof?

On April 27, Simone dropped a sweet surprise on Instagram: she uploaded a snap, previously shared on her story back on April 19, showing her and Rebeca standing inside the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, soaking in the electric atmosphere of Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Club. No lengthy caption needed. Simone let her emotions do the talking, simply posting “🤍💚🤍💚🤍” — pure, unfiltered joy.

The photo captured the duo in a candid, heartwarming moment: Rebeca proudly rocking a Real Madrid jersey, while Simone kept it effortlessly cool in a brown leather jacket dress. And the feelings were mutual. Just hours later, Rebeca Andrade reposted a different backstage photo of her and Simone — laughing and glowing at the Bernabéu — in her Instagram story. Her caption? A string of emojis, speaking louder than words ever could.

So, Madrid wasn’t just a tour stop. For Simone and Rebeca, it was a celebration of friendship, rivalry, and pure sports love — a night both champions will probably treasure long after the final whistle. But speaking about the final whistle, have Simone Biles and Rebeca said anything regarding their next contest or Olympic participation? 

Simone Biles has kept it under wraps while her archrival has set her target 

When Simone Biles walked onto the stage to accept her Sportswomen of the Year award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, she wasn’t just celebrating a trophy — she was making a promise. “Coming out here and winning a Laureus Award, I feel like is the most prestigious, athletic achievement that you can win,” Simone said, beaming. But it left one big question hanging in the air: Is Simone gearing up for a full comeback, maybe even a run at the LA 2028 Olympics?

Well, if you’re hoping for a clear answer, hold tight. Speaking in an interview published on April 22, Simone was refreshingly honest about where her head and heart are right now. “I’m really trying to enjoy life, to spend time with my husband [Jonathan Owens], go support him at his games, live my life as a woman,” she shared.

“I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.” In short: She’s not ruling anything out… but she’s not rushing, either. “It’s in LA it’s back in the States, which is so exciting. But if I’m going to compete again, I’m not so sure….Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that…But 2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.” It has to spark something inside her first.

 

And what about her friendly rival, Rebeca Andrade? The Brazilian star also opened up about her plans, speaking in an interview at the Laureus gala in Madrid. Her focus? Crystal clear.

 “I’m going to train for this Worlds, I hope everything goes well and I get good results. I’m not even talking about being on the podium,” Rebeca said, her voice steady with purpose. “Of course, we work for that to happen, but if it doesn’t, that’s okay. I want to arrive at the competition and be able to help the team, have everyone together. So, from a sporting perspective, the goal is Worlds.”As for which events she’ll tackle?

Rebeca admitted with a laugh, “I’m still not sure [about the events], my coach can answer better than I can, but we train everything… except floor.” Two champions. Two different journeys. One chasing her passion moment by moment. One is marching steadily toward the next World Championships. Where will they both land? Well, that’s a story still being written — and we’ll be watching every step of the way.