Rory McIlroy wins Sports Personality of the Year 2025 award

Golfer Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025 after winning a Grand Slam title and playing a key role in winning the Ryder Cup in Europe.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman achieved golf immortality in April when he won the Masters at Augusta National to complete his four major trophy collection.

He became the sixth man – and the first European – to win the tournament, joining Americans Gene Sarazin, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and South African player Gary Player in accomplishing this feat.

After winning the US Open, the US Open and the US PGA Championship by 2014, McIlroy had to wait another 11 years to realize his “dreams”.

He then played a key role in Europe’s first Ryder Cup win in the United States since 2012, contributing three and a half points to his team’s success.

McIlroy also delighted his home fans by winning the Irish Open for the second time, with further successes at the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, before capping off a fantastic year with a seventh title at the Race to Dubai.

“Amazing. First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate all the finalists. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes, so I’m thrilled to be in this room. I feel really honored to be a part of it,” McIlroy said after receiving the award.

“2025 was the year I made my dreams come true. From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It’s the year dreams are made.”

English rugby union player Eli Kildon came in second place, while Formula 1 driver Lando Norris came in third.

England striker Chloe Kelly, Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and Arrows player Luke Littler were also shortlisted for the award by a panel of experts, with the winner determined by a public vote.

McIlroy is the third golfer to win the Sports Personality Award, after Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989.

McIlroy, who was born in Hollywood, is the third Northern Irishman to win the award, after boxer Barry McGuigan in 1985 and jockey Sir AB McCoy in 2010.

“I have a lot of people to thank. First, the fans, my family, my mom and dad. They sacrificed a lot for me. I wouldn’t be here without them, so thank you,” McIlroy said.

“My wife, Erica, and my daughter, Bobbi, are what holds me together. My rock. They couldn’t be here tonight but I can’t wait to come back tomorrow and celebrate this with them. Love you.”

“And to the BBC for hosting these awards. It was always something I watched on TV growing up.

“It’s always been a big part of the build-up to Christmas, so I’m very honored to get my hands on this trophy.

“Hopefully I can challenge for it again next year.”

Team Europe were named Team of the Year on Thursday following their success in the Ryder Cup, beating off competition from Euro 2025-winning women’s football and reigning Women’s Rugby World Cup champions England.