Northern Irish golfing superstar Rory McIlroy has been announced as the winner of the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2025. The public vote, revealed on Thursday 18 December, saw McIlroy triumph after a year of extraordinary achievements on the course.
A Landmark Year of Golfing Glory
The 2025 season will be remembered as one of McIlroy's finest. In a career-defining moment last April, he finally secured the one major title that had eluded him: the Masters at Augusta National. McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam by defeating England's Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off, cementing his status among the all-time greats of the sport.
His contributions to team success were equally significant. McIlroy played a pivotal role in Europe's thrilling Ryder Cup victory over the United States in New York, delivering three-and-a-half crucial points. This triumph marked Europe's first away win in the biennial contest in 13 years, with McIlroy's passion and performance at the heart of the team's success.
Topping a Stellar Shortlist
The public vote for the BBC honour was fiercely contested. McIlroy secured the award ahead of two other standout British athletes. In second place was England's Rugby World Cup sensation, Ellie Kildunne, while Formula One world champion Lando Norris finished third.
The wider shortlist also featured celebrated talents from across the sporting spectrum. England footballers Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton were nominated, alongside teenage darts phenomenon Luke Littler, highlighting a year of remarkable British sporting success.
A Fitting Tribute to a Historic Season
This award represents a crowning personal achievement for McIlroy, recognising a year where he conquered both individual and team pinnacles. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy adds to an already overflowing cabinet, serving as a testament to his consistency, skill, and popularity with the British public.
The 2025 ceremony also saw football legend Thierry Henry honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award, reflecting on his storied career. However, the night belonged to McIlroy, whose historic double of Masters glory and Ryder Cup triumph on foreign soil proved an unbeatable combination for the voters.
