Rory McIlroy has capped a phenomenal sporting year by being voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025. The Northern Irish golfer received the prestigious public vote following a season where he achieved a lifelong ambition and cemented his status as a team legend.
A Year of Dreams: Masters Glory and Ryder Cup Heroics
The 36-year-old's annus mirabilis began in April at Augusta National, where he secured a dramatic play-off victory over England's Justin Rose to win The Masters. This landmark triumph meant McIlroy finally completed the career Grand Slam, owning all four of golf's major titles.
His stellar form continued into the autumn, where he was instrumental in Europe's first away Ryder Cup victory over the United States in 13 years. Competing in New York, McIlroy contributed a formidable three-and-a-half points to the winning team's tally, showcasing his prowess under intense pressure.
Historic Victory in the Public Vote
McIlroy saw off strong competition to lift the iconic trophy. He finished ahead of England's Rugby World Cup-winning star Ellie Kildunne and the new Formula One world champion, Lando Norris. The shortlist also featured England footballers Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, alongside darts world champion Luke Littler.
This win marks several historic firsts. McIlroy is the first golfer to win the award since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989 – the very year McIlroy was born. He is also the first male winner since Sir Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and the first Northern Irish recipient since AP McCoy in 2010.
Emotional Acceptance and a Promise Fulfilled
After flying in from the Golf Channel Games in Florida to attend the ceremony in Salford, an emotional McIlroy addressed the audience. "2025 has been the year that I made my dreams come true," he stated. "From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between, it really has been the year that dreams are made of."
He paid tribute to the public for their votes and thanked his family for their unwavering support, particularly his parents for their sacrifices and his wife Erica and daughter Poppy for being "my rock". The year was further sweetened by McIlroy winning a seventh Race to Dubai title, moving him just one behind Colin Montgomerie's record.
Other Notable Award Winners
The evening celebrated achievements across the sporting world. McIlroy and his Ryder Cup colleagues rightly collected the Team of the Year award.
In a deeply moving moment, David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar received the Helen Rollason Award. The fathers of Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar, who were tragically murdered in 2024, were honoured for their fundraising efforts during the London Marathon, which supports projects in memory of their daughters and Bebe King.
Other winners included Thierry Henry, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award by his children, and Sarina Wiegman, who won Coach of the Year after leading England to defend their Women's Euro title. Pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis was named World Sports Star for the second year running, and young Lioness Michelle Agyemang won the Young Sports Personality prize.
